Patsy Kensit made her debut soap appearance on EastEnders on Tuesday night as Lola Pearce’s mum.
Although the two didn’t interact, the storyline left fans in eager anticipation for the next episode as the new character, called Emma Harding, set up their first meeting by booking a hair appointment with her daughter under a different name.
The introduction of Emma fits into Lola’s cancer storyline which is seeing the mum-of-one approach the end of her terminal diagnosis.
Entrance: Patsy Kensit made her debut soap appearance on EastEnders on Tuesday night as Lola Pearce’s mum
The episode saw Lola call in her daughter’s dad Ben and her fiancé Jay as moral support as she told young Lexi about her sickness being fatal.
It was an emotional moment between the mother and daughter who both cried their eyes out while in an embrace.
But the nine-year-old had to head to school after finding out – which was where Emma was seen in the square for the first time.
Emotional: The introduction of Emma fits into Lola’s cancer storyline which is seeing the mum-of-one approach the end of her terminal diagnosis
Later on, Emma spots Lexi on the swings by herself for a few moments as her dad Ben speaks to workers at the garage her works at.
She takes the opportunity to interact with her granddaughter, who looks visibly upset as she reflected on the terrible news that she will be losing her mother.
Asking Lexi what’s wrong, the little one she says that her mum lied to her – and Emma tells her that her ‘mum only lied’ because she loves her.
Later on, Lexi recalls this moment to her mum – leaving Lola confused.
Storyline: Although the two didn’t interact, the storyline left fans in eager anticipation for the next episode as the new character, called Emma Harding, set up their first meeting by booking a hair appointment with her daughter under a different name
Introduction: Emma reappears at the end of the episode when Kim is closing up the salon after getting a bunch of flowers from her boyfriend Howie
Emma reappears at the end of the episode when Kim is closing up the salon after getting a bunch of flowers from her boyfriend Howie.
Their smooch is quickly interrupted when Emma comes in to ask to book an appointment.
Kim writes her into the calendar and says she’ll put her with Denise – but Emma interrupts and asks to be put with Lola.
And not only that – she books it under the name Nicole instead of her own name Emma.
Booking in: Kim writes her into the calendar and says she’ll put her with Denise – but Emma interrupts and asks to be put with Lola – under a different name
Fans appeared to enjoy this little twist which left them in suspense and looking ahead to the next episode after Emma’s first duff duff.
Another said: ‘Emma booking a hair appointment with Lola oh my goshhh.’
‘Emma booking an appointment with Lola at the salon under a fake name “Nicole”.’
Someone penned: ‘Why didn’t she just say her own name? She’s not the only one with it, whatever it is!’
One person added: ‘#EastEnders that’s going to be weird – Lola doing Emma’s hair and not knowing it’s her mum.’
Reaction: Fans were excited to have Patsy Kensit join the EastEnders cast and are looking forward to seeing her storyline develop
Others were also just excited to have Patsy Kensit join the EastEnders cast and are looking forward to seeing her storyline develop.
Someone else said: ‘Patsy looks amazing considering Lethel Weapon 2 was 35yrs ago.’
One wrote on Twitter: ‘Hopefully that’s the first of many duff-duffs for Patsy Kensit! #EastEnders.’
‘Love Patsy Kensit walking round the square in one of Shirley’s old camel coats.’
Some people weren’t sure about the introduction of Emma, however.
Anticipation: Fans appeared to enjoy this little twist which left them in suspense and looking ahead to the next episode after Emma’s first duff duff
A fan wrote of their concerns: ‘There was no need to bring in lola’s mum.
‘The focus should be on lola and her loves ones, not on some woman who wanted nothing to do with lola for most of her life.
‘I fear this story this story will only take away from the importance of the actual storyline #eastenders.’
Also in the episode, Denise and Ravi’s flirting ramps up a notch after he brings her into the bar kitchen for a drink.
They get a bit boozy and Ravi takes the opportunity to tell her that ‘any man would be lucky to have you’.
Star: It was announced in November that Patsy landed a role in EastEnders and to appear as Lola’s mum for a short stint. The actress, 54, has past soap experience having previously starred in both Emmerdale and Holby City
He also tells her his thoughts on Jack ignoring Denise’s advice about the difficult situation regarding his son Ricky Jr who has gotten Lily pregnant.
Ravi tells her, ‘I couldn’t treat any woman like that let alone my wife’, and asks, ‘you starting to like me?’ after Denise says she needs to go.
As she leaves, he finishes with: ‘You deserve to be treated right, if it’s not me, make sure it’s someone.’
Sad: Lola’s battle with terminal cancer has been an emotional ride for fans so far and is only going to get more difficult to watch as she comes to the end of her life
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