Why isn't EastEnders on iPlayer this morning?

The April 22, 2024 episode of EastEnders was postponed due to the highly anticipated TCS London Marathon 2024, which will serve as the backdrop for the new installment of the show. The popular soap opera had been delving into a poignant plot line following the death of Lola Pearce-Brown (portrayed by Danielle Harold) caused by glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a fast-growing and aggressive brain tumor.

To pay tribute to Lola on EastEnders, Jay Brown (Jamie Borthwick) and Honey Mitchell (Emma Barton) were slated to participate in the marathon, aiming to raise funds for charitable causes.

BBC announced the postponement of the new episode and mentioned that it required last-minute editing to seamlessly incorporate footage from the marathon into the storyline.

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April 22 episode of EastEnders to air at 7:30 pm British Summer Time

The TCS London Marathon 2024, which will serve as the backdrop for the installment, forced the postponement of the regular 6 am broadcast of the EastEnders episode. This decision was made keeping the plot in mind after Lola Pearce-Brown's death.

In the storyline, Jay and Honey ran 26.2 miles of the marathon in character in memory of Lola and to raise funds for charity. Other notable participants in the marathon included celebrities Joel Dommett and Harry Judd, as well as Chancellor Jeremy Hunt.

The episode is scheduled to air on April 22 on BBC 1 at 7:30 pm British Summer Time and viewers can also catch the installment on BBC iPlayer from 1 pm onwards.

"As well as running on behalf of their chosen charities, Emma and Jamie run parts in character to film various scenes along the route. These scenes will be edited into the main show this evening and viewers will be able to watch the special scenes tomorrow (Monday 22nd April) from 1300 on BBC iPlayer and at 1930 on BBC One," the show's official statement read.

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Lola Pearce-Brown: Backstory, cancer diagnosis, and demise

Lola Pearce-Brown was the daughter of Dan Pearce and Emma Harding on EastEnders. Portrayed by Danielle Harold, she was Lexi Pearce's mother and the wife of Jay Brown. In March 2023, Lola found out she only had six months left to live.

She struggled to process this information, but Jay supported her. Lexi revealed that she had been secretly saving for Lola, but the latter sadly acknowledged that nothing could change her fate. Emma, struggling with grief, announced her decision to move to America, prompting arguments with Lola and Jay.

Lola's health continued to decline, leading her to quit her job at the salon and collapse after a party. As her health deteriorated further, she went to the hospital and learned that she only had weeks to live. Unable to cope, she asked Billy to help her die on her own terms.

Danielle Harold as Lola (Image via BBC)

Initially refusing, Billy later agreed to assist her. Lola asked Jay to take her to her childhood home in Margate one last time. However, she ultimately decided to die naturally for Lexi's sake. On returning home, Lola's condition worsened, and she became unconscious.

Ben flew to America to seek medical help for her, while a palliative care nurse named Suzanne supported Lola and her family. It was soon announced that it was time to say goodbye to Lola, leading to emotional reactions from her loved ones.

Billy did not take the news well and got into an altercation before he was arrested. However, he was later released to bid Lola farewell. Lola passed away peacefully at dawn with Jay and Lexi by her side in EastEnders.

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Fans can watch the much-awaited episode of the title on April 22 on BBC 1 at 7:30 pm British Summer Time.