There were heartbreaking scenes in EastEnders as Pam and Les Coker were told of the death of their grandson Paul.
Shirley Carter found Pam (Lin Blakley) first to try to gently break the news to her, but Pam was adamant Paul was still asleep in his bed and tried to protect husband Les (Roger Sloman), who is recovering from a heart attack, from the news.
Pam and Les have lost so much… #EastEndershttps://t.co/k55uI3I1IE
— BBC EastEnders (@bbceastenders) July 19, 2016
When she opened the door and found his bed empty, Pam was still in denial that her grandson had been the one who had been attacked and died in hospital the night before.
The two then went with the police to the mortuary, with a desperate Pam leaving a note for Paul, played by Jonny Labey, on the kitchen table, telling him to “please be back soon”.
“Not our little boy, not again,” Pam begged, remembering the loss of their son Laurie too.
Sadly for the couple, it was Paul they identified in the hospital. Returning home, the two went into separate rooms where they both broke down over Paul’s death.
Viewers couldn’t handle how devastating the scenes were to watch.
Oh Pam….that note 😭💔 so sweet 💔 #EastEnders
— R.I.P Paul Coker (@staceys_story) July 19, 2016
Lin Blakely is such a good actress. Pam always breaks my heart. 💔😭 #EastEnders
— Sophie | MattDA Fan (@MattDAngeloFans) July 19, 2016
Pam is breaking my heart😥 #Eastenders
— Kelsey (@KelsBarlow) July 19, 2016
Poor Pam and Les. This feels a bit cruel #EastEnders
— Guy Lambert (@GRALambo) July 19, 2016
Poor Pam, this is too sad tonight #eastenders
— Adam. (@AdaamCooper) July 19, 2016
Poor Pam and Les. I can't bear it! #EastEnders
— Leo Richardson (@leo_richardson) July 19, 2016
Fortunately for Phil Mitchell and Ian Beale, Ben Mitchell (Harry Reid) was revealed to be alive but bloodied and bruised.
He told the pair that he had split up from Paul when they were set upon in a homophobic attack and asked how he was, leaving his father to realise that he had no idea Paul was dead.
It was left to sensitive Phil to break the news.
Maybe this tragedy will bring Phil and Ben closer together? #EastEndershttps://t.co/PpPLitAyfM
— BBC EastEnders (@bbceastenders) July 19, 2016
“Your friend, he’s dead,” he said.
“My friend? My friend?” said Ben, as he launched at his father.
“Can you hear what he’s saying? After everything, everything. I love him, mum, I love him,” said Ben, as he fell into the arms of his mum Kathy and then father Phil.
Viewers thought he was right to be angry with Phil.
Even now Phil can't even bring himself to say that Paul was Ben's BF 💔 #EastEnders
— SamSmithFan_xx (@SamSmithFan_XX) July 19, 2016
He's your sons, boyfriend Phil! Jeez Friend!! #Eastenders
— Bethany anne (@BethHinton17) July 19, 2016
Nah, Phil's out of order. Still calling the man his 'friend'! 🙄 #Eastenders
— Kayla Chantel (@MissKaylaMiiya) July 19, 2016
After EVERYTHING, Ben finds out his boyfriend is dead, and Phil STILL can't accept his own son. #EastEnders
— Tina (@ElloTeenah) July 19, 2016
It was a sad night throughout Albert Square.
Poor old Ben. Poor old Pam and Les. Am a blubbering mess. 😢 Really good storyline #Eastenders 💔
— Kelly Florentia (@kellyflorentia) July 19, 2016
#eastenders Ben is breaking my heart. It's so sad. First Kylie on Corrie and now Paul. These soaps know how to tug on your heartstrings 😥
— Janice Leigh (@januk1973) July 19, 2016
Wow @bbceastenders has got me crying my eyes out! Ben and Paul were the cutest 😣😣 #Eastenders
— alex (@alexclapsonxx) July 19, 2016
Pam, Les & Ben's reaction just broke my heart. I can't stop crying 😭😭💔 I adored Paul, precious little sweetheart. #EastEnders
— ♡ Simone ♡ (@SimonexLouise) July 19, 2016
My heart is shattered by the reactions of Pam, Les and Ben. That's too much pain to endure. Paul was genuinely so lovely. #EastEnders
— Eli (@howaboutel) July 19, 2016
Paul helped Ben evolve into his true self & taught him what real love is. Paul will live in Ben's heart forever. 😭 #gutted #EastEnders
— Team Swan (@team_swan) July 19, 2016
EastEnders continues on BBC One on Thursday at 7.30pm.
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