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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Victoria Johns

Old EastEnders set derelict and unrecognisable after BBC soap’s major £87m move

The old set of EastEnders is unrecognisable after being demolished.

The BBC decided to spread its wings in 2016 when the site in Elstree, London was declared 'unfit for purpose'.

The soap is now shot in a £87m location, which boasts state-of-the art studios and HD filming.

However, the old site has been left derelict - and missing the Old Vic.

In newly released aerial shots, the much-loved pub can no longer be seen, but Albert Square's outline still remains - despite being covered in shrubbery.

You can just about make out Beale's Plaice, the Prince Albert bar, the betting shop and the chemist.

The old set of EastEnders is unrecognisable after being demolished (Spartacus / SplashNews.com)

The original set was built when the soap launched in 1984. It was only intended to be used for two years, but production continued there for decades.

However, almost 40 years later, the Beeb decided it was time for a change as workmen were photographed taking down parts of the set at the beginning of 2022.

Production was halted in March 2020 due to the lockdown, which saw EastEnders running on a reduced schedule so it did not run out of episodes.

However, last year, after years of delays, filming commenced on the new and improved set in Borehamwood, including in the famous Queen Vic.

The new and old sets are very close to each other (Spartacus / SplashNews.com)

The first scenes shot on the new set aired in Spring 2022 and now EastEnders bosses are reportedly planning to expand the soap's site and add three new sets to where the old Albert Square was.

Reports also claim they want to put in a huge warehouse set, a parade of shops and houses and an area with nine shipping containers.

With its swanky new set, EastEnders has been spoiling us with a number of dramatic storylines.

One of its most poignant saw Lola Pearce, played by Danielle Harold, lose her life after battling a brain tumour.

The first scenes shot on the new set aired in Spring 2022 (Spartacus / SplashNews.com)

Viewers praised EastEnders and Danielle for handling the difficult subject matter with such sensitivity.

The actress has won a number of awards for the storyline, including a Best Leading Performer gong at the National Soap Awards.

Praising everyone who had helped her with her performance, she said: "This isn’t for me, this is definitely for every single person that’s worked with me along the way, that’s been directly affected by brain tumours. People who are suffering from brain tumours, their time is so precious to them and even more to me.”.”

*EastEnders airs Mondays at 8pm and Tuesdays at 7.30pm on ITV

* Follow Mirror Celebs on Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

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