EastEnders’ Honey and Jay to run the London Marathon in memory of Lola

EastEnders has shared a first-look at an upcoming storyline that will see Honey Mitchell (Emma Barton) and Jay Brown (Jamie Borthwick) take on the London Marathon in memory of their beloved Lola.

The storyline will follow both characters through their training process and during the event itself as they continue to navigate their grief and honour Lola in the wake of her death.

Emma Barton said:

“It’s an absolute privilege to be taking part in this storyline and to be running the London Marathon for a second time. I’m thrilled to be running on behalf of BBC Children In Need, an amazing organisation that does so much for kids across the UK. Their projects and initiatives enrich the lives of so many children, and I’m proud to be fundraising to support that incredible work.

“EastEnders is so synonymous with London, and it will be a first time for me as an actor that I’ll be able to break that fourth wall as Jamie and I act out our scenes amongst the other runners as we race across the capital in this landmark event. I can’t wait!”

While Honey and Jay will be raising funds for a cause dear to Lola, Emma and Jamie will be running the marathon as private individuals supporting different charities that hold personal significance to them.

The pair will film scenes along the route on the day of the event, which will be incorporated into the show.

In addition to their on-screen involvement, Emma will be running for BBC Children in Need, and Jamie will be running for Prostate Cancer UK.

Jamie Borthwick said:

“I’m so honoured to be taking part in the London Marathon. EastEnders is a London show, and as far as I’m aware, we’ve never shown it before on screen so I’m really excited to be a part of it, although I swore I would never run it again after the last time!

“I’ll be running for Prostate Cancer UK because both my dad and my uncle have had the disease. Thankfully, they’re both cancer-free now and we’re all so grateful of the amazing work Prostate Cancer UK do to support people during their illness.”

Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw added: “The London marathon is a landmark occasion in the capital, and therefore we’re thrilled to celebrate our city and offer our viewers a never-before-seen glimpse of the momentous day through the characters of Jay and Honey as they take part in the event.”

EastEnders airs Monday-Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One. Episodes are also available from 6am on BBC iPlayer.