EastEnders’ old set is unrecognisable amid huge demolition job after soap’s big £87m move
EASTENDERS’ old set looks unrecognisable amid a huge demolition job after the soap’s big £87million move.
Show bosses upped sticks last year and are now producing the world famous series from the BBC’s Elstree Centre – just a stone’s throw away.
The EastEnders set was deemed no longer fit for purpose back in 2016 and work began on the multi-million pound new location which is suitable for HD filming.
It was originally built when the show launched in 1984.
The set was only intended to be used for two years but the production continued there for decades.
Workmen were photographed taking down parts of the set at the beginning of 2022.
New aerial photos depict the derelict and demolished set, with the Queen Vic no longer standing.
Albert Square’s outline still remains, though overgrown with shrubs, and so does Beale’s Plaice, the Prince Albert bar, the betting shop and the chemist.
Last year, after years of delays, filming commenced on the new and improved set, including in the famous Queen Vic.
The first scenes shot on the new set aired in Spring 2022.
The investment in the BBC‘s longest-running TV serial drama and wider Elstree Centre has enabled improved high definition filming.
It also expanded filming options, with EastEnders production now able to explore new areas on screen.