EastEnders is now the real Beale…
The soap moved to a new set this year and bosses have gone all out to make it as authentic as possible.
Your Daily Star Sunday was invited to have a snoop around the complex at the studio in Elstree, Hertfordshire.
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It cost an estimated £87million and took five years to build, so the quality is top notch.
Walking around the new Albert Square is like being in a real city.
The old set was built using flimsy plywood and plaster brick panels that were only meant to last for a few years.
But the new one has proper brick-built buildings.
(Image: Chris Golds)
It means the show’s backdrops look more realistic on screen.
And there is no chance of them wobbling like the sets famously did on soaps such as Crossroads in years gone by.
Production manager Rona McKendrick said: “The old set was not fit for purpose – it was made of wood and plastic.
“In high winds, the chimneys would wobble.”
(Image: Chris Golds)
The new set also has a raft of real cars and vans parked up, working drains and living plants. And there are plenty of small touches such as bins being branded with a Walford council logo and market stalls with price lists on display.
Many of the details are so subtle even eagle-eyed fans will have to look hard to spot them.
(Image: Chris Golds)
The soap is also bigger than ever as its new home has a raft of additional areas including new street Edward Road and a Chinese restaurant.
Some of the properties now have back gardens where scenes can be shot.
A host of major storylines have already been filmed on the site.
They include the return of Alfie Moon, played by Shane Richie, which will air this autumn.
Other big events coming up include the funeral of Dot Branning, played by soap legend June Brown who died in April.
The cast are thrilled to have a state-of-the-art set to work on.
(Image: Chris Golds)
James Bye, who plays Martin Fowler, said: “The old set is always going to have those memories. We had some lovely stuff on the old Vic roof which we’ll always hold on to.
“But the new set is open for new stories to happen and we’re excited about what it’s going to bring.”
The show has now been on air for more than 37 years.
And the new look Albert Square means it is set to be among the BBC’s flagship shows for years.
TV viewing figures have dipped in recent years but it is one of the most popular shows on the iPlayer catch-up service.
Watch EastEnders Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
