'EastEnders' newcomer inspired by Lacey Turner

EastEnders' new recruit Danielle Harold has heaped praise on former cast member Lacey Turner, revealing that she has been re-living the star's time as Stacey Slater by watching old scenes.

The 18-year-old actress was recently cast as feisty Lola Pearce, who is Billy Mitchell's long-lost granddaughter.

In an interview with tomorrow's edition of Inside Soap, Harold explained that she is a big fan of Turner, who bowed out as Stacey in last year's Christmas storyline.

Harold commented: "Lacey Turner is an incredible actress. I've been watching a lot of her, not because I'm trying to copy her but because she's so amazing."

The Walford newcomer added that she is grateful for the complex nature of her character, who has been causing a stir since making her first appearance on screen last week.

"Lola's not out-and-out evil but she's not very nice," she said. "She's got so many sides and I am having a great time exploring them."

EastEnders bosses recently confirmed that Lola's arrival will lead to the departure of her grandmother Julie Perkins.

> Read our exclusive interview with EastEnders' executive producer Bryan Kirkwood
> Read more EastEnders spoilers and news

Watch a clip of Danielle Harold playing Lola in EastEnders below: