Phil sent out a plea to his late mum (Pictures: BBC)

EastEnders left viewers completely devastated as Lola Pearce (Danielle Harold) tragically died from a brain tumour in emotional scenes.

Her final episodes saw friends and family take turns to say their goodbyes, though one person who was very close to her couldn’t bring himself to do it.

Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) fled silently from No.18 as Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth) said her farewells to the mother of their grandchild.

Consumed by guilt and grief, Phil sought refuge at Sharon Watts’ (Letitia Dean) house, where he collected his thoughts while flicking through photo albums.

As Sharon stood in the doorway, Phil lamented about how guilty he felt for the way he had treated Lola after Lexi (Isabella Brown) was born.

Sharon pointed out that he came round to her eventually, and Lola grew quite fond of him.

Phil remembered how Lola would stand up to him and refused to ever be afraid of him, and admitted that she reminded him of his mum, Peggy (Barbara Windsor).

He admitted to Sharon that he couldn’t face saying goodbye, and Sharon reminded him that death isn’t something people just get used to.

Phil couldn’t bring himself to say goodbye to Lola (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

Looking up to the sky, Phil sent out a plea to his late mum, Peggy, asking her to look after Lola.

Later, Phil found Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick) sitting outside in the Square, and asked if he had any news on Lola.

As Billy commented on how stiff he was, Phil pointed out that they were getting old.

In the silence that followed, it was clear that he was thinking of Lola, and the fact that she will never have that same opportunity.

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He cares about Lola deeply.