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EastEnders unveils first look at new set as filming starts

The former Albert Square set was no longer fit for purpose.

EastEnders has revealed the first look at its new set as filming begins on the soap.

The former Albert Square set was built in 1984 with an intention to be used for two years and was no longer “fit for purpose,” the BBC has said.

eastenders set tour 2022

On Tuesday, filming commenced on the new and improved set, including in the famous Queen Vic, with scenes due to air in Spring 2022.

The investment in the BBC’s longest-running TV serial drama and wider BBC Elstree Centre will enable improved high definition for Walford fans.

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It has also enhanced filming options, with EastEnders production now able to explore new areas on screen.

It’s a big day at BBC Elstree today as filming starts on the new EastEnders set. The ‘new’ Walford allows production to explore new areas on screen giving us greater freedom to drive further creativity. We can’t wait to see it on our screens in the next few months! #EastEnders pic.twitter.com/cYNI5UVosE — BBC EastEnders (@bbceastenders) January 11, 2022

As a result, the soap’s writers, producers and directors will have greater freedom to drive further creativity.

The serial drama returned to full-length episodes at the beginning of 2021 following a production break during the Covid-19 pandemic.

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EastEnders shares first look at new Albert Square set as filming commences

EastEnders has released images of the brand new BBC soap set including The Queen Vic and the market, which cast will now be filming on

eastenders set tour 2022

  • 23:55, 11 Jan 2022
  • Updated 08:40, 12 Jan 2022

The EastEnders cast will now be filming on a brand new set, for outside locations including The Queen Vic, the Square and the market.

New images released by the BBC soap reveal the new refurbished set at the BBC Elstree Centre, which will replace the original one.

It was only meant to be used for two years back when it was built, and that was in 1984 before the BBC soap launched for the first time a year later.

Decades on and the show finally has its new set, after years of building, as the original location is said to be no longer fit for purpose.

With it said to have cost around £87 million, the new location is actually opposite the former Walford.

Cameras are now rolling, and scenes filmed in the new Albert Square will be on screen in Spring 2022.

The BBC confirmed: "The investment in the BBC’s longest-running TV serial drama and wider BBC Elstree Centre enables improved HD for our audiences and enhanced filming options.

" EastEnders production are now able to explore new areas on screen and writers, producers and directors have greater freedom to drive further creativity."

Images of the new set include the outside of the iconic pub, the centre of the Square and the entire landmark in general, as well as the famous market street.

Viewers will see their favourite characters in the new location very soon, as they've begun filming there this week.

It comes amid reports that Mick Carter actor Danny Dyer is leaving the soap , after joining in 2013.

One source told The Mirror: “Danny has offers coming in left right and centre, and a lot of the things he has wanted to do he can’t because EastEnders have such strict rules about what he can and can’t do.

“It’s driven him mad at times and he’s now ready for a change. But it hasn’t been easy to walk away, BBC bosses have been desperate to keep him. But he’s been insistent and when Sky approached they gave him an offer he couldn’t refuse. It’s a new chapter for Dan and he’s over the moon.”

EastEnders airs Mondays and Fridays at 8pm, and Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One.

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'EastEnders' 2022 preview: the 11 biggest storylines this year

'EastEnders' spoilers for 2022: get ready for an eventful year in Walford.

EastEnders logo Queen Vic

After an explosive start to the New Year, EastEnders has whetted our appetites for the drama to come in 2022. 

The fallout from Christmas will see the lives of the Walford residents continue to unravel, as killer secrets are at risk of being exposed, dark revenge plots simmer away, and even the strongest relationships are put to the test.

And there's going to be lots of action to enjoy, as the BBC has confirmed three out of the four weekly episodes of the soap will be returning to their 30-minute running time after Covid restrictions had an impact on filming.

So on that positive note, here's a preview of what's coming up this year on Albert Square...

Killer Gray finally exposed

Chelsea Fox talks to Gray Atkins in EastEnders

Chelsea's Christmas was anything but merry, after discovering she'd married a murderer, then going through the trauma of giving birth prematurely. Finally there's a bit of good news when the doctors inform her things are moving in the right direction with little Jordan. But while Gray hopes this means they'll be able to start their future as a family, Chelsea's terrified of returning to his house of horrors and history repeating itself. Sensing her anxiety, Gray ups the ante and manipulates the new mum's fragile state to his advantage in an attempt to isolate her from her family. But what the sinister solicitor doesn't realise is that Chelsea knows exactly what he's capable of and is working with Whitney and Kheerat to bring him down. Whit is steadfast in their plan to get justice for Chantelle, and tells Chelsea to stay in the game, insisting Gray will slip up eventually. Chelsea agrees to put herself in danger by playing the role of adoring wife, but will the risk pay off and lead to Gray getting his comeuppance once and for all?

The search for Tina continues

Mick Carter with his son in EastEnders

It's been a year since Tina became Gray's second victim, after she threatened to reveal he abused and murdered Chantelle. After strangling her death on his sofa, Gray disposed of Tina's body in a mystery location and has been covering up the crime ever since. 12 long months of anguish have followed for the Carters, and Shirley is still desperate to know what's happened to her sister who seemingly vanished without a trace. Gray recently admitted he lied about seeing on Tina on board a bus, and with Whitney and co now secretly working against him, the walls are closing in. Will it be a member of the Carter clan who discovers the truth about Tina and outs Gray as a serial killer? 

Aaron causes danger for the Monroes

Harvey Monroe talks to Aaron Monroe in EastEnders

Aaron Monroe's far-right storyline will continue as the police launch an investigation into the aborted bomb attack on The Albert. Bobby's suspicions about his girlfriend's bigoted brother are building, and when he spies Aaron talking with fellow activist Neil, he decides to investigate further. Has he just landed himself in mortal danger? The situation continues to spiral when Neil threatens Dana's life, forcing Aaron to agree to run an extremist operation in Manchester in exchange for his sister's safety. It's make or break for Walford's newest family as Harvey begs Aaron to turn his back on his terrorist activities, but a shock arrival on the Square will have a lasting impact on everyone involved.

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Janine plays dirty to get Mick

Janine Butcher is furious in EastEnders

Mick is back on the singles market thanks to Janine's wicked manipulation - not that he knows it. After being together with his beloved L since they were teens, the landlord is struggling to adjust to life without her, and it's not being made easier by Janine, who's clearly still determined to get her claws into him. Mick's mates Mitch and Rocky reckon he should treat 2022 as a fresh start and throw himself in the world of dating. But it's all too much too soon for Mick, and the stress leads him to suffer a crippling panic attack. Will Janine seize the opportunity to swoop in and offer to nurse him back to health? The unscrupulous madam is used to getting what she wants, even if that means playing the long game - but with Danny Dyer quitting the soap later this year, does that mean Mick could be leaving both Linda and Janine heartbroken? 

Ben and Callum are pushed to the brink

Ben Mitchell was terrified as he watched the gang brutally beat up Callum Highway.

Just when it seems Ben and Callum have finally put their troubles behind them, the violent attack at the hands of far-right extremist Neil and his mob has left them shattered. The savage beating has left Ben haunted memories of the homophobic attack that claimed the life of his late boyfriend, Paul Coker. As Ben refuses to open up, worried Cal summons Paul's grandmother Pam back to Walford to try and help his husband. When concerns about Ben's wellbeing continue to mount, his family stage an intervention, which forces the mini Mitchell to admit he's terrified for his safety. Ben's not the only one struggling, as Neil's attack changes Callum's outlook on life, and plunges the married couple into crisis.

Phil behind bars

Steve McFadden as Phil Mitchell

Phil's rash decision to go on the run from the police with Raymond is one he's definitely living to regret. His actions lead Kat and Sharon (who, let's face it, are far better suited to being allies rather than enemies) to join forces in a bid to protect him. Thanks to the genius of top brief Richie, Phil's been able to evade jail countless times, but this time his luck has run out and he is now facing life in prison . Will Walford's top dog be seeing 2022, and the rest of his days, out behind bars?

Redemption for Rocky?

EastEnders Rocky Dotty

Secrets in Walford have an uncanny knack of being exposed at the Christmas dinner table, and it was Rocky's turn to be shamed when Dotty exposed his duplicitous dealings as the family tucked into their turkey and trimmings. Since discovering con artist Rocky - or should we say Tom Cotton - wasn't the man she thought he was, Kathy is refusing to forgive his sins. Former co-conspirator Dotty doesn't want anything to do with him, and even Rocky's recent health scare hasn't been enough to convince Sonia to give the man she called dad a second chance. Thankfully Rocky has one friend left in Walford - Shirley. But could Rocky and Shirley's newfound friendship lead to something more? And might she be able to help him rebuild those bridges he burnt?

Dotty finds an unlikely ally

Dotty Cotton has a confrontation in EastEnders

Dotty is well and truly out of the circle of trust after admitting she was in cahoots with Rocky to scam Sonia. Haunted by her bad behaviour, and Sandy's revelation that her Uncle Tom is actually her father, Dotty is adamant she doesn't want to end up like either of her parents. But she soon realises trying to make amends won't be that simple. After being told by Vinny that Suki wants her out of the bedsit, Dotty has been forced to sleep rough at the allotments. Soon she turns to Vinny to support, suggesting they can be more than just mates if he finds her place to stay. Suki's besotted son is more than willing to help out, but when Keegan works out what's going on, he warns Vinny to be wary. Is Dotty up to her usual tricks and stringing him along? Or are her feelings genuine?

Zack tries to make amends

Zack Hudson in EastEnders

Sharon's still in no mood to forgive Zack after finding out he was responsible for Jada fleeing Walford with little Alyssa. The thought of never seeing Denny's daughter again is breaking Sharon's heart, but remorseful Zack is determined to put things right. He vows to do whatever it takes to make it up to his sibling. Will he try and track down Jada and Alyssa and bring them back to the Square? And can Sharon find it in herself to forgive him?

Cancer stricken Stuart struggles 

Stuart Highway is upset in EastEnders

Stuart's world fell apart last month after receiving the shattering news he has male breast cancer. And his struggle to accept his diagnosis will continue into 2022 as his denial worryingly leads him to delay urgent treatment for the disease. Can anyone help before it's too late? Another thing playing on Stuart's mind is the looming due date of Bernie's baby. The Halfways' surrogate has been off screen for the past few months, but EastEnders ' bosses have confirmed Bern will be returning home very soon. Will that be with or without Rainie and Stuart's baby? With things on the rocks for Stuart and Rainie as Stuart continues to suspect that Rainie is sleeping with Mick, can these two ever get back on track? 

A fresh start for Stacey

Stacey Slater has a job interview in EastEnders

Stacey's been relishing life as a free woman, and is determined to make 2022 her year. The mum of three has a brand new business venture thanks to Martin stepping aside and allowing her to have the Walford market inspector job, and she also has her beady eye on another prize. Stace is hoping she might hit the jackpot with her love life too. Will that be with wife Eve, or someone else on the Square? Maybe a certain handsome Panesar? Or is a reunion with her former husband on the cards? However, Stacey might be forced to put her romantic plans on hold when Jean demands her attention elsewhere.  Realising her mum is in need of help, Stacey turns to Kat for assistance, but soon discovers it won't be easy to get her on side.

Laura has been a journalist for over a decade, writing about soaps, TV entertainment, fashion, beauty, and food. After graduating from university, she started her career working at a national soap and TV magazine. During her seven-year stint there she joined the cast of Emmerdale for a tour around the famous village, partied with soap stars at awards bashes, interviewed her acting idol David Suchet, and sat in the front row of Strictly Come Dancing . 

Her heart lies with the soaps, and her all-time favourite character has to be EastEnders ' Pat Butcher - no one rocked a big earring quite like her. She's also a huge fan of detective crime dramas, particularly old school Inspector Morse, Endeavour, and adaptations of Agatha Christie's Marple and Poirot. When she's not writing, she loves a spot of second-hand shopping and going on adventures with her young son.

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eastenders set tour 2022

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EastEnders confirms plans to expand set with new locations

The plans will develop the existing Elstree site.

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The planned expansion will see new structures and facades placed onto the soap's previous Albert Square lot, including a new warehouse location and a collection of shops and houses.

"The new plans are part of the continued redevelopment of the Elstree site and sit within the existing budget," a BBC spokesperson confirmed to Digital Spy .

felix baker, whitney dean, eastenders

Related: EastEnders' Callum has bombshell affair discovery

The plans will provide additional filming locations on-site for EastEnders cast and crew, allowing for creative opportunities for production and writers as well as reducing the need for crew to film off-site.

Redevelopment of the previous Albert Square site comes a year after the soap moved to a brand-new set.

The new, upgraded set sits opposite the previous site at Elstree Studios, allowing for the soap to be filmed in HD. The old set, which had been built in 1984, had only been intended for two years of use.

EastEnders aren't the only soap to receive an upgrade either, with fellow show Coronation Street unveiling a brand-new location last year.

eastenders, new set, albert square

Related: EastEnders duo share message amid baby loss story

The redevelopment plans follow an exciting year ahead on Albert Square, after the soap's anniversary episode teased a huge death twist coming this Christmas.

Show boss Chris Clenshaw expanded on the decision to include the flashforward , explaining that storyline will being to come together across 2023.

"As we saw in the flashforward scene, there are six women stood over a dead body, which we know is male. Over the next ten months, expect to see each of these women have huge stories, involving potential victims, which will all collide at Christmas," he said.

EastEnders airs on Mondays - Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer.

Read more EastEnders spoilers on our dedicated homepage

From Rags to Ricky by Sid Owen

From Rags to Ricky by Sid Owen

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By Your Side: My Life Loving Barbara Windsor by Scott Mitchell

Request video message from past EastEnders stars

Request video message from past EastEnders stars

One of Them: From Albert Square to Parliament Square by Michael Cashman

One of Them: From Albert Square to Parliament Square by Michael Cashman

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EastEnders: Christmas Specials collection

BBC EastEnders: Christmas Specials collection

Before the Year Dot by June Brown

Before the Year Dot by June Brown

.css-15yqwdi:before{top:0;width:100%;height:0.25rem;content:'';position:absolute;background-image:linear-gradient(to right,#51b3e0,#51b3e0 2.5rem,#e5adae 2.5rem,#e5adae 5rem,#e5e54f 5rem,#e5e54f 7.5rem,black 7.5rem,black);} eastenders.

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EastEnders fans are buzzing ahead of a major change to the programme from next week. The current set at Elstree Studios in Borehamwood was built in 1984 and was meant to have a shelf life of two years. Thirty-eight years later and EastEnders is getting a brand new set that promises to be better, brighter, and gives more filming options.

The new set is still in Elstree opposite the old one and it should allow new episodes airing next week to be in improved HD, while allowing actors and the directors to explore different areas of Albert Square . There's no need to worry about losing any of the show's magic, there's still the Queen Vic , the same houses, gardens, and cars.

Things haven't gone smoothly though, the nearby replacement was beset with problems, going over budget and schedule. It was originally due to be finished by 2018 at a cost of £59.7m but costs have spiralled to £86.7m. In 2018 the National Audit Office slammed the BBC for the project, saying the new set was needed but it would not deliver value for money as it was "flawed from the start".

Fans of the show won't be bothered now though. They were treated to a 60 second building time lapse where the new set emerged from the mud, looking exactly like the Albert Square we know and love. Excited watcher, Ryan Glendenning said: "Can't wait to see the brand new set on screen from Monday. I've seen some of the new set in next week's spoiler pics and the set looks so much brighter and more modern."

READ MORE: BBC EastEnders viewers 'in tears' for Shirley after she finally finds out what happened to Tina

Adam Smithering added: "Incredible! Cant wait to see the new set in action, it looks amazing and a lot bigger." While Siobhan Cheetham-Smith said: "This is probably the best thing you've ever posted." Others chimed in with comments like "So excited to see this", "Wow that’s quite amazing", and "Oh wow that's incredible".

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One thing is for sure, if the new set has got anything wrong then fans will be scrambling to let everyone know. Leave a comment if you like the new set or if you think something looks out of place.

If you have a story to share, please email [email protected] .

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Callum Cuddeford - News Reporter

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Hello, I am a news reporter for MyLondon. I cover stories across the capital every day.

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eastenders set tour 2022

Where is EastEnders’ new set and can you visit?

  • Published : 17:01, 13 May 2020
  • Updated : 17:44, 15 May 2020

EASTENDERS is currently in the middle of building an entire new £87million set only a few yards from the old one.

The project has come under fire for being expected to go over budget by a staggering £27 million as well as taking two and a half years extra to complete - so why was the new set necessary in the first place? Here’s everything you need to know...

  • Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest spoilers, pictures and gossip from Albert Square

 EastEnders is building a new set

Where is the EastEnders new set?

The new EastEnders set is being built at the BBC's Elstree Centre in Borehamwood , opposite the current one used on screen.

EastEnders showed fans a glimpse of the new Queen Vic in April, which is finally taking shape on the corner of the Square. 

The new updated set will also include additions to the Square including a block of flats as well as a railway tunnel and line for the famous Walford East tube station.

The new set will replace the show's original one, which was built in 1984 from steel frames, plywood and plaster brick panels.

 The new EastEnders set is opposite the old set

Why have BBC made a new set?

BBC bosses took on the mammoth task of building a new set to make Walford HD-ready.

The current set was built back when the show originally launched in 1984 and was only intended to be used for two years. 

The current set is stopping EastEnders from filming in HD as show bosses fear viewers would notice that the fronts of the Queen Vic and its surrounding buildings are made of plaster and plywood. 

The HD set’s buildings will be made entirely out of brick, but look identical to the old ones.

The BBC said in a statement: "The set of EastEnders was built in 1984 and only intended for use for two years.

"Over 30 years later, the show remains one of the BBC’s flagship programmes and yet is filming from a set that is no longer fit for purpose.

"The new set will be suitable for HD filming for the first time and extend Walford to better reflect modern East End London."

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Can you visit.

Due to the soap’s filming schedule - which was four 30-minute episodes prior to coronavirus - there have previously been no tours of the EastEnders sets or of the studio. 

And given that the current home of EastEnders in Elstree isn’t accessible to the general public, it seems unlikely that the new set will be. 

EastEnders have announced that the set, which was originally supposed to be completed by 2018, won't be ready until around 2023, s o fans will have to wait a few years for more news on potential visits. 

  • TV explainers

theStudioTour.com

BBC Elstree Centre

Entrance to BBC Elstree Centre, 2010

Entrance to BBC Elstree Centre, 2010

Studios at Elstree Elstree was a major centre for film production from the early days of cinema. There’s a great deal of confusion about which studios at Elstree were used for which movies / TV shows.

This page covers  BBC Elstree Centre  (also known as Clarendon Road Studios, Neptune Studios, Rock Studios, National Studios, ATV Studios, Central TV Studios).  The location has been used for movie / TV production since 1914 and has been the home of BBC Soap ‘Eastenders’ since 1985 (see below)

Unfortunately there are  no public tours of the Eastenders Sets or of the studio itself at any time .

This gritty and groundbreaking BBC soap opera has been based at the BBC Elstree Centre since day one back in 1985. The soap is based in the fictional London borough of Walford in the east end. The Albert Square permanent exterior set was designed by the late Keith Harris, the senior designer in the EastEnders production team. Extensions including a fictional Tube station have been added over the years. In 2014 it was announced that a new, 20% larger exterior set would be built for EastEnders, within the BBC Elstree Centre grounds. Following planning permission, construction work took place in 2015 & 2016 to prepare the new site. Although it was originally planned to have the new sets operational by 2018, it’s now believed that part of the set will be available from 2019, with the entire development not complete until 2020.

Tours of EastEnders:

Unfortunately there are no public tours of the Eastenders Sets or of the studio itself at any time . This has never been possible due to the production schedule and additional security concerns. Please do not contact this website about tours, as there are none available. Some BBC facilities offer tours (but NOT this location) so please check the BBC Tours website for more information. 

The Eastenders exterior sets with studio buildings beyond - Aerial photo from Windows Live Local

The Eastenders exterior sets with studio buildings beyond – Aerial photo from Windows Live Local

BBC Elstree Centre sign (2010)

BBC Elstree Centre sign (2010)

More information about the facilities at BBC Elstree Centre

Other studios in the elstree area;.

  • Elstree Film Studios  (also known as Shenley Road Studios, British International Pictures, Associated British Pictures, EMI Elstree Studios, Cannon Elstree Studios, Goldcrest Studios, Elstree Film & TV Studios)
  • Millenium Studios
  • Gate Studios  (also known as Station Road Studios)
  • Danziger Studios  (also known as New Elstree Studios)
  • MGM Borehamwood  (also known as Elstree Way Studios)

History of the BBC Elstree Centre site

Percy Nash and John East, early British filmmakers, built Neptune Studios at Boreham Wood, near Elstree village. Although conveniently close to London, it was far enough away from the metropolis that the air was clear of smog and traffic fumes. One of the stages was over 70 feet in length and was described as the first ‘dark’ stage in Europe as it had no glazed roof and relied totally on artificial illumination.

Neptune Studios closes due to World War 1, and the site is bought by the Ideal Film Company.

Ideal Films moves out of the premises.

Ludwig Blattner, inventor of an early sound recording system, took over the studios, making them the last in the Elstree area to be converted for sound recording.

The studios are leased by Joe Rock, an American producer, the same year as Blattner committed suicide.

Joe Rock buys the studios outright (now known as  Rock Studios ) and constructs the four main stages, still in use today as studios A-D. This major investment ensured the future use of the studios for many years to come.

The Rock Studios are taken over by  British National Films , and almost immediately, the studios are taken over by the government for war dutues. After the war British National Films continued to make films on the site, now known as  National Studios .

The studios go dark for five years.

Douglas Fairbanks Jr buys the studios. He uses the four stages to make filmed TV programmes for the American company NBC. His initial contract was for an astonishing 39 films as well as many commercials. Many of the short films made for the US market were shown in the UK as part of  Douglas Fairbanks Presents  from 1955 .

May: Lew Grade’s  ATV  purchases the former National Film Studios.

One by one the four studios are brought into use as (at the time) state-of-the-art television studios. Many classic TV series used the ATV facilities:  Robin Hood ,  Lancelot ,  The Saint  (with Roger Moore),  The Persuaders  and TV specials for stars such as Shirley Bassey and Tom Jones. Later,  The Muppet Show started life here, along with  Emergency Ward 10 ,  The Plane Makers ,  The Power Game ,  Sergeant Cork ,  The Golden Shot  (game show),  Sapphire and Steel ,  Tiswas  (Saturday morning kids show) and the first 13 episodes of  Carry on Laughing .

ATV lost it’s London TV franchise and was reshaped into Central TV. Central remained at Elstree while their new facilities in Nottingham were constructed. Many staff (and much equipment) moved to Nottingham when the studios there were finished.  Auf Wiedersehen Pet  filmed at the studio in the meantime.

16th January – The official documents are signed, transferring ownership of the site to the BBC, and it’s renamed  The BBC Elstree Centre . Popular BBC shows including  Grange Hill ,  Top of the Pops  and  Kilroy  move to the new site. The backlot area formerly used as the  Auf Wiedersehen Pet  building site is used to construct the exterior Albert Square sets for  EastEnders .

19 February:  Eastenders  debuts on BBC1 television, and the Albert Square sets are seen for the first time.

Holby City , a spin-off of BBC medical drama  Casualty  (filmed in Bristol) starts filming at Elstree, using Neptune House, one of the existing BBC office buildings, as the hospital.

The Times reports that Eastenders may shift production to another location (e.g. Pinewood Studios) due to the deteriorating quality of the 25 year old sets at Elstree. The original sets were never designed for this length of run, and under the unforgiving HD cameras, the fake brickwork and wooden walls are beginning to be very obvious. >  Link to The Times article 

Eastenders is to remain at Elstree ‘for the foreseeable future’, with sets being upgraded when necessary.

Work is underway to prepare a new site slightly east of the existing location for an expanded Albert Square, with higher quality sets, some of which may be practical. Build cost is believed to be £15million. > Link to The Guardian article about the move > Link to Metro article about delays to the work

The BBC begins the process of selling the studio property to French insurance company Axa. A 25-year lease will be in place for the BBC to lease back part of the facilities to continue to film there. The purchase is due to complete in 2024.  > Link to Financial Times article about the sale

  • http://www.elstree.co.uk/index.php?page=history
  • http://avengerland.theavengers.tv/studios/defaut.htm
  • http://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/
  • http://www.doctorwholocations.net/locations/bbcelstree
  • http://www.tvstudiohistory.co.uk

Productions shot at BBC Elstree Centre

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How to watch EastEnders box sets and when is it on TV?

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Sam, Sharon and Kat in EastEnders

Grab some popcorn and get comfy in your seat – EastEnders weekly box sets are back.

The binge-watching features make a triumphant return as major sporting events such as Wimbledon 2022 and the Commonwealth Games take over the main TV channels.

All four episodes of the classic BBC soap will drop every week so that fans can watch whenever it suits them.

But how can you stream the box sets – and when does EastEnders air on TV?

Here is everything you need to know.

How do I watch EastEnders box-sets online?

All the box sets will be available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer every Monday at 6am.

Sam Mitchell on EastEnders

Starting from today (June 27) until mid-August, all the episodes from that week will be uploaded in one go, for your viewing pleasure.

Chris Clenshaw, Executive Producer at EastEnders, said: ‘With such a big summer of sport ahead, box setting all four episodes again this year feels like the perfect solution to enable EastEnders viewers to choose when and where they want to get their weekly fix from Albert Square.

‘We have a big summer ahead so this is the perfect way to ensure that no one has to miss out.’

When is EastEnders on TV?

The show usually airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One.

However, while Wimbledon 2022 coverage takes up that slot, you can tune into the show at its usual time on BBC Two.

It’s worth keeping an eye on the official EastEnders Twitter page for all the latest schedule updates.

You can stream this week’s episodes of EastEnders on BBC iPlayer now.

MORE : EastEnders spoilers: New pictures reveal the moment Phil Mitchell kills sex attacker Lewis?

MORE : EastEnders’ Ricky Champ and wife Sammy welcome baby via C-section

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Taylor Swift's Eras Tour to end this December, singer announces

eastenders set tour 2022

Sorry Swifties,  Taylor Swift  will not extend her record-breaking, behemoth  Eras Tour  to 2025.

"This is the very first time I’ve ever acknowledged to myself and admitted that this tour is going to end in December," the singer said sentimentally during her "All Too Well" speech before the 10-minute song.

"This tour has really become my entire life, it's taken over everything, like I think I once had hobbies," she joked in her bedazzled red and black jacket. "All I do when I'm not on stage is sit at home and try to think of clever acoustic song mashups and think about what you might want to hear."

Her acoustic section has become a fan-favorite, unique to every city. The singer began mashing up songs in 2024. Swift still has about  30 songs in her vast discography left to perform.

"You have done so much to be with us," she continued. "You've made plans so far in advance. You planned what you were going to wear. You memorized lyrics. You got yourself here. You figured out parking. You figured out transportation, and I want spend the 100th show just thinking about that and living in that moment and being here with you, and just know I appreciate every single ounce of effort that you put in to be with us when this show reaches triple digits in shows. So thank you!"

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Taylor Swift's journey: Eras Tour 'spans 18 years of music'

In November 2022, Taylor Swift announced her magnum opus  on social media , "I’m enchanted to announce my next tour: Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour, a journey through the musical eras of my career (past and present!) The first leg of the tour will be in stadiums across the US, with international dates to be announced as soon as we can!"

The original post only showed 27 concerts over the course of a year. The demand quickly escalated that number to  66 shows for year one  and 86 for year two in 22 countries (U.S., Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Japan, Australia, Singapore, France, Sweden, Portugal, Spain, Scotland, England, Wales, Ireland, Netherlands, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Poland, Austria and Canada).

With  album announcements , music video reveals, special guests appearances and a  whole new "Tortured Poets" set  unveiled in Paris, France, the tour has continued to evolve and impress. Swift has broken attendance records for many stadiums across the world and countries have welcomed the singer in innovative ways. A hidden language of Swift-ese has developed in the form of friendship bracelets, custom concert chants ("1, 2, 3 let's go b****" and "Where you going Taylor?") and unforgettable dance moves. Tens of thousands of fans log on to watch livestreams every concert night anticipating Swift's outfits and  custom mashups  of songs not included in the massive  46-song set list .

A year of the Eras Tour: A look back at Taylor Swift's record-breaking show

Swift's concert movie  bypassed production studios as the singer worked directly with AMC as a distributor bringing fans dancing and singing in the aisles. The movie is available to  watch on Disney+ .

No word on if she will release a second movie with the newly scrambled show and additional set.

Swift is only a third of the way through her 51 European stops. In the fall, she will come back to North America, heading to Miami, New Orleans and Indianapolis in October and November and then Canada. Her last show for 2024 is on Dec. 8 in Vancouver, British Columbia.

IMAGES

  1. EASTENDERS SET INCLUDING THE NEW SET PART 2

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  2. Eastenders fans in tears over Chantelle's doomed romance with Kheerat ahead of murder

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  4. Where is EastEnders' new set and can you visit?

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  5. EastEnders unveils first look at new set as filming starts

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  6. First look at EastEnders' £87million set with revamped Queen Vic

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VIDEO

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  5. Exclusive News !!EastEnders set to surprise fans with dramatic flashback episodes!It Will Shock You

  6. Exclusive News : Karen Taylor returns to EastEnders, spelling trouble for The Six

COMMENTS

  1. Where is EastEnders filmed and can you visit?

    A new, £87 million set at Elstree has been in the works for years, but will finally appear on screens in April 2022 - with the cast having begun filming t h e r e in January 2022.. The upgraded ...

  2. First look images of new EastEnders set

    Updated: 4:03 pm, 11 January 2022. First look images of the new Albert Square and the iconic Queen Vic have been released as filming starts on the new EastEnders set today (11 January). The new ...

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  4. EastEnders unveils first look at new set

    The scenes featuring the new set are due to air in spring 2022. EastEnders airs on RTÉ One and BBC One on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Source: Press Association.

  5. EastEnders shares first look images of new set as filming begins

    By Susannah Alexander Published: 11 January 2022. EastEnders has unveiled a first look at the soap's new set, with filming having begun on the new set today (January 11). The first official images ...

  6. EastEnders reveals first look at new set as filming commences

    EastEnders has started filming on its brand new set. A revelation worthy of its very own 'Doof Doof' cliffhanger, we reckon! The new set, which is in use as of Tuesday January 11, replaces the ...

  7. EastEnders starts filming on troubled new £87m Albert Square set

    BBC. Filming in the replica Albert Square began on Tuesday. EastEnders has moved into a new Albert Square, with the cameras rolling for the first time on a troubled £86.7m replacement for the BBC ...

  8. EastEnders unveils first look at new set as filming starts

    January 11, 2022 at 7:17PM GMT. EastEnders has revealed the first look at its new set as filming begins on the soap. The former Albert Square set was built in 1984 with an intention to be used for ...

  9. EastEnders shares first look at new Albert Square set as filming

    The EastEnders cast will now be filming on a brand new set, for outside locations including The Queen Vic, the Square and the market. New images released by the BBC soap reveal the new refurbished ...

  10. EastEnders planning HUGE set expansion with new locations

    EastEnders has already undergone a big renovation. (Image credit: BBC / Jack Barnes) The new-look Albert Square aired on our screens in March 2022 and the set's facelift was done so that it would enable improved HD filming and allow new areas to be explored on screen, giving writers, producers and directors more creative freedom.

  11. EastEnders star reveals cast have tour guides when lost on new set

    EastEnders star Barbara Smith has revealed some behind the scenes secrets while working at the soap - including the fact cast have tour guides for when they get lost on the new £87 million set.

  12. Eastenders Set Including the New Set Part 2

    My last visit to this location was 2 months ago back in November , from then and coming back again today 2nd Jan 22 I have noticed they have now slowly start...

  13. 'EastEnders' 2022 preview: the 11 biggest storylines this year

    published 12 January 2022. 'EastEnders' spoilers for 2022: get ready for an eventful year in Walford. There is plenty of drama heading for Walford this year.(Image credit: BBC) After an explosive start to the New Year, EastEnders has whetted our appetites for the drama to come in 2022. The fallout from Christmas will see the lives of the ...

  14. EastEnders confirms plans to expand set with new locations

    By Brenna Cooper Published: 08 March 2023. EastEnders bosses have confirmed plans to continue expanding its set, with redevelopment set to take place at the BBC's Elstree site. The planned ...

  15. BBC EastEnders fans 'so excited' to get sneak peak ahead of major set

    08:01, 5 MAR 2022. Cast and crew filming on the new set (Image: BBC) EastEnders fans are buzzing ahead of a major change to the programme from next week. The current set at Elstree Studios in Borehamwood was built in 1984 and was meant to have a shelf life of two years. Thirty-eight years later and EastEnders is getting a brand new set that ...

  16. Where is EastEnders' new set and can you visit?

    The new EastEnders set is being built at the BBC's Elstree Centre in Borehamwood, opposite the current one used on screen. EastEnders showed fans a glimpse of the new Queen Vic in April, which is ...

  17. The Secret Park From Which You Can Glimpse The Queen Vic From EastEnders

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  18. BBC iPlayer

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  19. BBC Elstree Centre

    In 2014 it was announced that a new, 20% larger exterior set would be built for EastEnders, within the BBC Elstree Centre grounds. Following planning permission, construction work took place in 2015 & 2016 to prepare the new site. ... 2022. The BBC begins the process of selling the studio property to French insurance company Axa. A 25-year ...

  20. How to watch EastEnders box sets and when is it on TV?

    All the box sets will be available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer every Monday at 6am. Sam Mitchell is back in the EastEnders spotlight this summer (Picture: BBC) Starting from today (June 27 ...

  21. BBC One

    See all episodes from EastEnders Credits. Role Contributor; Chelsea Fox: Zaraah Abrahams: Frankie Lewis: ... Thu 29 Sep 2022 19:30. BBC One. Sun 2 Oct 2022 19:30. BBC Three. Related Content ...

  22. Taylor Swift's Eras Tour to end this December, singer announces

    A year of the Eras Tour:A look back at Taylor Swift's record-breaking show Swift's concert movie bypassed production studios as the singer worked directly with AMC as a distributor bringing fans ...