EastEnders reveals how soap pulled off groundbreaking London Marathon scenes with rare behind-the-scenes video
WITH new behind-the-scenes footage show bosses have revealed how they filmed clips for EastEnders at the real London Marathon.
Viewers were left stunned after producers worked through the night to make sure they were able to include the scenes in the show – just 24 hours after shooting them.
Now Production Manager Steve Roberts has revealed some of the planning that went into the impressive project.
“I have been working on this episode since…probably late November, early December”, he admitted.
“It has been my job to work with the BBC team, plus the London Marathon team, and the BBC sports team to try and put these episodes together so that we can do our Elstree filming.
“Then we had location filming away from the Marathon where we cheated the start and the finish of the Marathon. It’s been my job to put it together; to make sure we film at the real London Marathon that’s happening tomorrow.”
Steve added: “One of the most complicated things about filming this episode is that what we’re shooting tomorrow goes out on TV on Monday night.”
A support runner called Mara Hafezi also introduced herself, saying she was tasked with motivating actors Jamie Borthwick and Emma Barton to complete the race in five or six hours.
Cameras then followed the crew through the entire process of filming the race and sending the footage to production so they could prep it for TV the next day.
In the world of EastEnders, Jay ran to honour the legacy of brain tumour victim and wife Lola, who died last year.
Meanwhile Honey joined him for emotional support.
Footage of Honey and Jay running through London was cut into the episode – with crowds cheering as they were supported on the 26-mile slog.
When the storyline was announced, Jamie told us: “I’m really pleased 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!”
EastEnders facts and figures
THE beloved British soap has been captivating audiences for decades.
EastEnders follows the lives of the residents of Walford as they navigate love, loss, family drama, and community struggles.
Here’s the latest on:
- EastEnders spoilers
- New, leaving and returning cast members
- Where is EastEnders filmed and can you visit the set?
- Inside EastEnders abandoned original set
- The history of EastEnders iconic pub The Queen Victoria
- The biggest ever ‘duff duff’ moments
- Longest serving cast members
- Shocking Albert Square serial killers
- The soap’s most iconic episodes