Back in the day, the show used real, grimy locations in London’s East End for exterior shots. But filming a soap opera on actual streets is a logistical nightmare—think screaming fans, unpredictable weather, and real traffic jams. So, in 1985, the BBC built a permanent, purpose-built set at Elstree. It’s a totally fake, yet painfully detailed, street.
The current set, which had a massive £87 million revamp a few years back, is an outdoor lot. It’s not a soundstage; it’s a full-scale, open-air village where the characters walk, talk, and have dramatic showdowns. You can literally stand where Phil Mitchell once growled at someone, which is both hilarious and a little bit terrifying.
And here’s the kicker: you can actually visit it (sort of). The BBC runs studio tours where you can walk through the famous market, the Vic, and even see the launderette. Just don’t expect to see Dot Cotton’s ghost or get a pint from Mick Carter—it’s a clean, sanitized version of the Square.
Why Elstree Feels Like Home (Even If It’s Fake)
The magic is that the set is built to feel lived-in. The graffiti is painted on, the bins are strategically placed, and the cobbles are purposely uneven to catch your ankle. The production team even added fake pigeon droppings to the market stalls to make it feel authentically grotty. It’s a masterclass in making a fake place feel more real than your own high street.
But here’s the ironic twist: the real East End of London has changed so much since the show started. The actual Albert Square that inspired the set—a real, Victorian square in Bethnal Green—is now surrounded by trendy coffee shops and flats costing a million quid. Walford, frozen in time, feels more like a memory of the East End than the reality. It’s a beautiful, grimy time capsule.
EastEnders' new £87m set nearly complete as Queen Vic's fresh look is
