Eagle-eyed EastEnders fans spot something ODD in Lola's funeral scenes

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EastEnders fans were distracted by one thing as they watched Lola's heartbreaking funeral episode.

Jay Brown, Ben Mitchell, Phil Mitchell and Callum Highway carrying Lola's white coffin in EastEnders.
EastEnders fans were in bits as Lola's funeral aired on BBC One. (Image credit: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

EastEnders fans were in bits last night (Tuesday, June 27) as the heartbreaking funeral of Lola Pearce-Brown (Danielle Harold) played out. 

Ever since Lola tragically passed away from a terminal brain tumour last month, fans have been watching her family struggling with their grief as they try and make Lola's send-off a day she would have approved of. 

But last night saw the episode air on BBC One, and fans have been left in tears over the beautifully acted and brilliantly written scenes as Jay, Billy, Honey, Ben and the rest of Lola's loved ones said their final goodbyes. 

However, as the funeral episode came to an end, eagle-eyed fans couldn't help but notice there was something odd going on with Jay. 

Ben Mitchell, Lexi Pearce and Jay Brown at Lola's funeral.

Lola's funeral left viewers in tears.  (Image credit: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

After the funeral had finished, Walford residents tried their best to get into the party spirit, as Lola had requested, and Lola-fest got underway in Albert Square. 

But while his friends and family celebrated Lola's life, Jay slipped away from the party and went home.

Jay went home to record a message for all of Lola's loyal followers on her blog, thanking them for their support and wishing them well in their own personal journeys.

But it wasn't the emotional words that got fans talking, it was the fact that Jay seemed to have had time for a shave between leaving the party and recording his blog message...

Jay Brown in EastEnders with a beard at Lola's funeral

Jay was sporting a beard at Lola's funeral.  (Image credit: BBC)

Jay Brown in EastEnders without a beard after Lola's funeral

But was clean shaven while filming his recording for her blog followers.  (Image credit: BBC)

By the end of last night's brilliant episode viewers were in bits as Billy gave Jay a memory stick, telling him that he needed to watch the video on it until the end. 

At first, the video was the same one that had been played at the funeral, showing Lola full of life as she spent time with her family. But after that, the video cut to Lexi talking to her mum about Jay.

The love that Lola had for Jay was evident as she told her daughter that the world is a better place with Jay in it. As Jay broke down in tears over his lost love, it was clear that these were the words he needed to hear from Lola after such a difficult day. 

But what does the future hold for Jay? 

EastEnders boss Chris Clenshaw recently told What To Watch that the solidarity between Jay and the rest of Lola's family won't last forever and that Jay is going to find a new bond with someone on the Square... "As I said before, they kind of pull together and they're there for each other [following Lola's death]. But that won't last forever. He [Jay] will find friendship with an unlikely person."

EastEnders airs Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 7.30 pm on BBC One — see our TV Guide for full listings. You can also catch up on episodes on BBC iPlayer now. 

Claire Crick
Claire Crick
Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch

Claire is Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch and has been a journalist for over 15 years, writing about everything from soaps and TV to beauty, entertainment, and even the Royal Family. After starting her career at a soap magazine, she ended up staying for 13 years, and over that time she’s pulled pints in the Rovers Return, sung karaoke in the Emmerdale village hall, taken a stroll around Albert Square, and visited Summer Bay Surf Club in sunny Australia. 

After learning some tricks of the trade at websites Digital Spy, Entertainment Daily, and Woman & Home, Claire landed a role at What’s On TV and whattowatch.com writing about all things TV and film, with a particular love for Aussie soaps, Strictly Come Dancing and Bake Off. 

She’s interviewed everyone from June Brown — AKA Dot Cotton — to Michelle Keegan, swapped cooking tips with baking legend Mary Berry backstage at the NTAs, and danced the night away with soap stars at countless awards bashes. There’s not a lot she doesn’t know about soaps and TV and can be very handy when a soapy question comes up in a pub quiz! 

As well as all things soap-related, Claire also loves running, spa breaks, days out with her kids, and getting lost in a good book.