Actress Danielle Harold has been delivering some serious drama in hit soap EastEnders for over a decade.
The star, 29, set foot on Albert Square in 2011 and enjoyed shocking storylines as feisty teen Lola Pearce including teen pregnancy with cousin Ben Mitchell and giving birth to baby Lexi while grandad Billy carried the Olympic torch across Walford.
Lola disappeared from the soap in 2015 while Danielle took on movie projects like Fanged Up and The Tombs.
But in 2019, she made a dramatic return to the soap as Lola attempts to con Phil Mitchell.
Luckily life’s a bit smoother for actress Danielle off-screen. From soap star friendships to top chef connection, see what she’s up to now…
Celebrity chums
Danielle spent years acting alongside EastEnders’ royalty, and she calls many of them good friends, too.
The star is pals with Danny Dyer (who plays ex-Queen Vic landlord Mick Carter).
And during lockdown in 2020, the cast – including Emma Barton (Honey), Adam Woodyatt (Ian Beale) and Maisie Smith (Tiffany Butcher) – got together for a catch up on the web.
Danielle shared a screenshot of the group on a video call, writing: “Missing my EastEnders family #eastenders #stayathome.”
Serious health battle
The actress has spoken freely about the very serious illness she contracted in her teenage years.
A long-term bladder illness had a big impact on her school life. She had many stays in hospital and left school with just one GCSE.
She recalled to the Mirror: “I was in year 10 when I fell ill. At that point I just gave up and didn’t try with GCSEs.
“I knew I’d never get good grades, I’ve always wanted to act; drama was the only lesson I enjoyed at school.”
She added: “ wouldn’t cause trouble but I had a lot of Lola’s attitude. I’d be feisty and answer back. I was so small when I started secondary school that I’d have to stick up for myself.
Jamie Oliver’s influence
When Danielle left school with her single GCSE, she went into waitressing work, but knew it wasn’t the job for her.
She admitted: “I worked as a waitress but I didn’t really enjoy it. I lost all my confidence and didn’t believe in myself.”
Then she spotted an advert for Jamie’s Dream School.
It was a reality TV show with chef Jamie Oliver, who helped teenagers with fewer than five GCSEs achieve their dream jobs.
Celebs like Alastair Campbell and Cherie Blair stepped in to teach the star and apparently, history buff David Starkey was so impressed with her work he said she should apply to Cambridge University!
Soon after the show, she landed her dream role playing Lola on EastEnders.
She gushed about the chef: “Jamie Oliver was a complete life changer for me. I was so lucky to have got on that programme.
“It was so much fun and a completely new experience. It made me believe in myself and made me realise I could achieve whatever I wanted in life.
She went on to tell the Daily Mail: “It was either continue waitressing or do Jamie’s Dream School.
“I worried quitting my job would be a mistake but it turned out to be the best decision I’ve ever made. Jamie was lovely.”
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