ENDER AN ERA
EastEnders fans devastated as set is demolished by wrecking crew
DEEMED no longer fit for purpose in 2016, the old set was abandoned and left to ruin.
EastEnders fans were heartbroken to find out a wrecking crew was called in to demolish the set, marking the end of an era.
5
5
5
Originally built for the show's launch in 1984, the set was only meant to be used for two years.
But as viewers of the London-based program may know, things didn't go according to plan.
The set was used for three decades before it was said to be no longer fit for purpose.
Cast and crew began to make their way to Borehanwood as work began at the BBC's Elstree Centre.
More EastEnders stories
The show is now being filmed at an £87 million location which is suitable for HD filming.
The old EastEnders set was previously left abandoned, with some of its buildings still intact after production stopped during the Covid pandemic in 2020.
However, announced a wrecking crew had finally been called in to destroy the set, which was built from steel frames, plywood and plaster brick panels.
"Old EastEnders set being demolished", the social media user wrote, captioning a video of the damage being done by a demolition crane.
more on eastenders
Twitter users immediately reacted to the video, some being disappointed they didn't have the chance to visit the old set.
"Such a wasted opportunity to let the fans have a look around first", one of them penned.
"So sad", another added.
As mentioned above, the long-running program is filmed on a new and improved set at the Esltree Centre which was built opposite the old set.
BBC bosses were adamant on getting EastEnders HD-ready, which led them to change filming locations as they were worried viewers would notice the Vic and its surrounding buildings were made of plaster and plywood.
EASTENDERS NEWS
Everything you need to know about Eastenders
- New, leaving and returning Eastenders cast
- Can you visit the Eastenders set?
- All the latest spoilers from Eastenders
- The Sun's soap spoiler live blog
- The best bits from Eastenders over the years
The new set is an exact replica of the old one but includes buildings made of brick.
Construction work sparked controversy in 2020 when it was expected to go over budget by a whopping £27 million.
But it seems to have been worth it as the new set also includes some additions to Albert Square.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Read More on The Sun
Viewers saw the set included a block of flats, a railway tunnel and line for Walford's tube station.
EastEnders airs from Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One - but viewers should expect schedule changes ahead of the World Cup.
5
5
Topics