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 of the new Albert Square and Queen Vic pub have been released by the BBC, with the new set replacing the former Albert Square. The original set was built in 1984 and had initially been intended to have just two years of use.
One of the images of the new set shows the front of the Queen Vic, with the Minute Mart and a market stall also visible beside it, while another features a side view of the pub from the perspective of the market, with the soap's cast and crew busy at work on the set.
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There are also two new images of the wider Square, featuring the gardens and several of Walford's houses and cars.
The official photos come after an aerial photo was published of the building work in 2020, which featured the buildings taking shape.
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The new set, which is based at Elstree Studios opposite the older set, will allow the soap to be filmed in improved HD, and viewers will first see it on screen in scenes airing in spring this year.
The BBC has said that the new set will enable the soap to access enhanced filming options, with writers, directors and producers now free to explore new areas on screen.
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The new set will be playing host to plenty of drama, as the soap continues to air some high-profile storylines.
Chelsea Fox (Zaraah Abrahams) is continuing to grow increasingly frustrated by her new husband Gray Atkins's manipulative behaviour while their baby son Jordan is in hospital.
With Chelsea now also aware that Gray (Toby-Alexander Smith) killed his wife Chantelle (Jessica Plummer), she is secretly planning on leaving him behind – but when she will be able to get away from him is another question.
Aaron Monroe's story is also intensifying, as he has a confrontation with far right group leader Neil. After his family is threatened, Aaron (Charlie Wernham) takes action and ends up having to take up a new job running the operation in Manchester. But will he manage to persuade his sister Dana (Barbara Smith) to join him?
EastEnders airs on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays on BBC One.
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One of Them: From Albert Square to Parliament Square by Michael Cashman
