07 February 2023 , 20:01
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EastEnders' Lola Pearce made a devastating discovery on Tuesday night that changed everything.
After the bombshell that recent newcomer Emma Harding was her estranged mother, who seemingly walked out on her when she was aged three, she learned something about their past.
Lola, who was recently diagnosed with a brain tumour which was later confirmed to be inoperable, was left devastated as the true circumstances around her mother disappearing from her life came to light.
Her beloved father had hidden something very dark from Lola when she was a child, and the truth only came out when Emma revealed all on Tuesday.
It all kicked off when Lola was stunned to find out Emma was her mum, who hadn't been in her life since she was three years old.
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EastEnders' Lola Pearce made a devastating discovery on Tuesday night (BBC)When Emma showed up at her house to tell her everything, Lola didn't initially believe her and called her out, even accusing her of lying about her version of events.
But soon enough Lola was forced to face up to the facts, and realised Emma's story was true.
Emma had revealed she didn't walk out on Lola all those years ago, while detailing a harrowing abuse ordeal at the hands of her ex.
The character confirmed Lola's alcoholic dad was violent towards her, and often lashed out of her during fights when Lola was young.
EastEnders newcomer Emma Harding finally found her true identity exposed (BBC)Emma revealed that one night things escalated, and her abusive partner threw a kettle containing boiling water over her.
She was rushed to hospital and suffered serious burns, which meant she had to remain in hospital for months as she recovered from her injuries.
While she was terrified of going home, she did eventually return only to find Lola and her dad were gone.
Emma explained that she didn't walk out, and instead Lola's dad fled with her without a trace - and despite looking, Emma had no way of finding them.
Lola was devastated as the true circumstances around her mother disappearing from her life came to light (BBC)It wasn't until Emma learned recently about Lola's whereabouts and the fact her dad was now dead that she felt it was safe for her to return.
Lola began to realise Emma was telling he truth, and she was understandably devastated.
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Towards the end of the episode as Emma went to leave, Lola begged her to stay and told her she believed her.
No longer blaming her for leaving, Lola asked Emma to stay in her and her daughter Lexi's lives - with Emma vowing to spend whatever time Lola had left with her.
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.