Danielle Harold has insisted that she is relishing a new challenge after it emerged that she has been axed from EastEnders.

Last week it was confirmed that producers had decided to kill off Harold's character Lola Pearce - granddaughter of Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick) - in a shock summer storyline.

Talking to the Daily Star about the development, she said: "EastEnders has been such a big part of my life, but I can't wait to start something new. I want to work on other things and play other characters.

"I can't wait to get out there and see what's possible.

"I'd love to do a drama. I want to do something completely different to soaps. I'd love to get back to doing some films as well."

Lola made her Walford debut in 2011, departing in 2015 but returning four years later with daughter Lexi (Isabella Brown) in tow.