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Lola Pierce receives devastating news in EastEnders this week, after she is told that she has been diagnosed with a brain tumour.

The upcoming story will see Lola and her loved ones deal with her diagnosis, as she faces her new reality of being a young person living with a brain tumour, with the emotional scenes due to air this Autumn, before actress Danielle Harold exits the soap.

The residents of EastEnders have faced many tragedies throughout the years, including the deaths of beloved family members, with Lola's diagnosis set to bring further heartbreak to Albert Square.

READ NEXT: EastEnders Billy Mitchell to 'become Lexi's guardian' following tragic Lola Pearce story

However throughout the decades, there have also been a number of real-life tragedies involving the cast away from the soap too.

Mike Reid

Mike Reid became an EastEnders icon as Frank Butcher between 1987 to 2000.

Prior to his soap fame, the star had been a successful comedian and even hosted ITV children's series Runaround.

After leaving EastEnders, he did make a brief comeback in 2005, as well as starring in films including Snatch.

However, the star died suddenly at the age of 67 years old, after suffering a heart attack at his home in Marbella, Spain on July 29, 2007.

Just two weeks before, it had been reported that a medical examination had given the actor "a clean bill of health", with his agent David Hahn later paying tribute, saying: : "Mike was a very, very, very funny man. He would see the funny side of every situation, no matter how black it was.

"Even now I am sure he is laughing … He always had time for the man on the street. He's going to be sadly missed."

Pam St Clement, who played Frank's on-screen wife Pat Butcher, also said: "I'm sorry to lose such a dear friend and colleague. Mike, as a person and character, seemed indestructible."

Josephine Melville

Josephine Melville played Tessa Parker in EastEnders during the eighties.

The star also appeared in TV series including The Bill and Casualty, as well as performing in several theatre productions throughout the decades.

However, Nottingham Playhouse announced that Josephine had died backstage on October 20, 2022 after appearing in a production of Nine Night.

The venue said she was treated by paramedics and a medically qualified audience member but died at the scene.

In a statement the venue said: "We are deeply saddened to announce that last night the actor Josephine Melville, passed away backstage at Nottingham Playhouse following the performance of the play Nine Night, in which she was performing.

"Josephine's family have been informed, and our thoughts and deep condolences are with them."

James Brining, the Yorkshire venue's chief executive also paid tribute to the late actress, saying they were "truly honoured" to work with her.

He said: "We are profoundly saddened by Jo's passing and add our condolences to her family and loved ones.

"We were truly honoured to work with her on this wonderful co-production of Nine Night and are doing everything we can to support her family, the company and staff across both theatres."

Barbara Windsor

Another EastEnders icon was none other than Barbara Windsor, who appeared in the soap as Peggy Mitchell between 1994 to 2016.

Known for her catch-phrase "Get out of my pub," Barbara was already a huge star of stage and screen before joining the soap, appearing in the Carry On films and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, to name a few.

She also appeared in Hollywood films including Alice In Wonderland, before her EastEnders character Peggy died in 2016.

However, two years before her Albert Square exit, Barbara had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, with her husband Scott Mitchell later revealing the diagnosis publicly in 2018.

They later became ambassadors for the Alzheimer's Society, but it is reported that after her 80th birthday, her condition deteriorated and the actress withdrew from public life.

In 2019 she also delivered a letter calling for better care for people with dementia to 10 Downing Street on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Society.

Sadly one year later in 2020, the star died from Alzheimers at a London care home, with her husband announcing her death in a statement.

He said she would be remembered for the "love, fun, friendship and brightness she brought to all our lives."

Scott added: "I've lost my wife, my best friend and soul mate and my heart or life will never feel the same without you."

Fellow stars from the world of entertainment paid tribute to Barbara, with Sir Elton John saying: "The world has lost the biggest ray of light. And heaven has the sweetest and funniest angel."

Gemma McKluskie

Actress Gemma McKluskie starred as Kerry Skinner, a friend of Zoe Slater, between 2000 to 2001.

She also previously appeared in TV series No Sweat in 1997, but appeared to retire from acting after leaving EastEnders.

However, the star sadly went missing from her home in East London more than a decade later in March 2012.

Her headless torso was found in a suitcase in Regents Canal, with Gemma's brother Tony later charged with her murder, after it was reported he attacked and dismembered her at the flat they shared.

During the murder trial, the BBC reported that "the prosecution said he killed his sister after she lost patience with him and asked him to leave the flat in Pelter Street, Shoreditch, where they lived."

He was later found guilty in January 2013, with Tony being sentenced to life in jail for the horrifying crime.

Elaine Lordan

Elaine Lordan was part of one of EastEnders most famous on-screen clans – The Slaters.

Many fans will still remember her as fearless Slater sister Lynne, who had a turbulent relationship with husband Garry Hobbs during her time on the square between 2000 to 2004.

However, it is reported that the star was convicted of drink-driving in 2003, before she exited EastEnders the following year.

Her personal life has sadly been marred with tragic deaths, including the death of her mum Bernadette by suicide in 2005.

Nine months later, her son James died just days after his first birthday, after suffering from breathing difficulties caused by a condition called diaphragmatic hernia.

The actress, who is married to ex BBC technician Peter Manuel, also suffered further heartbreak in 2007 when she suffered a miscarriage.

One year later, her father Garrett also died at the age of 72 years old.

Although it is reported that she had withdrawn from public life in recent years, the star has been spotted looking fit and healthy while on a run with her husband in 2020.

Sian Blake

Between 1996 to 1997, Sian Blake played Frankie Pierre in EastEnders, whose character is remembered for having an affair with Alan Jackson.

She also appeared in TV series including The Bill, Casualty and Doctors.

However in 2015, the star and her two sons went missing.

Their disappearance was reported by her partner Arthur Simpson-Kent, who then went missing just several days after filing the report.

Sian's abandoned car was later found in East London, and following a search, the body of the actress and her sons were found in the family garden.

Her husband was found alive in Ghana and extradited back to the UK, where he pleaded guilty to their murders and was sentenced to life in prison in October 2016.

In a statement read to the Old Bailey, Sian's mother said: "It’s difficult to put into words how much we have suffered as a result of their murder and how we will continue to suffer for the rest of our lives.

"We are all living a life sentence. We are all living a nightmare. I would give my life for another moment with my daughter."

READ MORE:

• Neighbours' real-life tragic deaths – backstage collapse, brain tumour and dead at 24
• Home and Away real life tragic deaths – On-stage collapse, overdose and horror car crash
• DIY SOS' real life-tragedies and heartwarming differences it's made to lives

• Eastenders
• BBC

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