Where Is The Set For Eastenders

Alright, picture this: you're sitting in the Queen Vic, nursing a pint, and suddenly, you're itching to know - where on earth is this place? I mean, it's not like they've got a 'You Are Here' map in the corner, right? So, let's grab our virtual jackets and go on a little adventure to find out where the heck EastEnders is filmed.

Welcome to Elstree, mate!

First things first, let's pop over to Elstree, a charming little town in Hertfordshire. Now, you might be thinking, "But I thought EastEnders was in London?" Well, mate, it's a bit like when you order a Big Mac and they give you a Filet-O-Fish - it's not quite what you expected, but it's still pretty darn good.

Elstree Studios, to be precise, is where the magic happens. It's been the home of EastEnders since 1985, and it's also where they filmed some iconic movies like Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Fancy that, eh? Your favorite soap opera and Harrison Ford, all under one roof.

But why, you ask?

Well, it's all about the space, innit? Elstree Studios has got more than enough room to build the iconic sets we all know and love - like the Queen Vic, the Argee Bhajee, and even the launderette where Dirty Den met his untimely end. Plus, it's a lot cheaper to film there than it would be in the heart of London. Win-win, right?

Now, you might be wondering, "How do they get away with filming in a studio when it's supposed to be in London?" Well, it's all about the magic of television, my friend. They use clever camera tricks, green screens, and even some nifty editing to make it look like our favorite characters are strutting their stuff down the cobbles of Walford.

Let's take a little tour, shall we?

So, you're standing in the middle of Elstree Studios, and suddenly, you're transported into the world of EastEnders. To your left, you've got the Queen Vic, with its iconic red neon sign and the familiar hum of locals chatting over a pint. Straight ahead, you see the launderette, where the drama always seems to unfold. And to your right, well, that's where things get a bit weird.

You see, Elstree Studios is also home to some other, shall we say, unexpected sets. Like, for instance, the set of Strictly Come Dancing. Yes, you heard it right - while Kat and Alfie are arguing over in the corner, over on the other side of the studio, Tess and Claudia are welcoming the latest celebrities to the dance floor. Talk about a clash of worlds!

And it doesn't stop there. Elstree Studios has also been home to the sets of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, The X Factor, and even Britain's Got Talent. So, the next time you're watching Simon Cowell give someone the thumbs down, just remember - it's all happening just a stone's throw away from the Queen Vic.

EastEnders’ new €97m set is almost finished as builders put the final

But what about the outside scenes?

Ah, now that's where things get a bit more complicated. You see, when it comes to filming outside scenes, the EastEnders crew are like ninjas - they sneak in, film what they need, and disappear before anyone's the wiser. It's all about finding those perfect, unassuming locations that could pass for the streets of Walford.

Take, for instance, the iconic scenes where Ian Beale was pushed off a bridge. Now, you might think that was filmed on some dodgy bridge in London, but no - it was actually filmed on a bridge in Slough. Yes, you read that right - the same place where The Office was set. Talk about a double dose of British comedy!

And it's not just bridges - the EastEnders crew have been known to film in all sorts of unlikely places. Like, for instance, the scene where Phil Mitchell was shot was actually filmed in Borehamwood, just a stone's throw away from Elstree Studios. And the iconic scenes where Pat Evans was pushed down the stairs? Yep, that was filmed in a studio in Pinewood, home to the James Bond films.

So, what's it like, being on set?

Well, mate, it's a bit like stepping into a parallel universe. One minute, you're walking down a bustling street in London, and the next, you're suddenly in the middle of a soap opera set. It's all a bit surreal, really.

But don't worry, they don't just let anyone wander onto the set. No, no - you've got to be a proper VIP to get a behind-the-scenes look at EastEnders. And even then, you've got to sign a million and one confidentiality agreements to make sure you don't spill the beans on any upcoming storylines.

EastEnders' new £87m set nearly complete as Queen Vic's fresh look is

But those who have been lucky enough to get a peek behind the curtain have reported some pretty fascinating things. Like, for instance, the fact that the Queen Vic is actually massive on the inside. We're talking, like, three times the size it looks on screen. And the launderette? Well, that's actually just a tiny little room with a green screen behind it. Mind. Blown.

And what about the cast?

Well, they're a friendly bunch, really. I mean, sure, they might be playing some of the most dramatic characters on TV, but off-screen, they're just a bunch of normal folks. They've been known to pop into the local pub for a pint after a hard day's filming, and they're always happy to stop for a chat and a selfie.

But don't go expecting any big, dramatic scenes when you're out and about in Elstree. You see, the cast and crew are all pretty tight-lipped about what's going on in the show. They've got to keep those storylines under wraps, after all - they wouldn't want to spoil the surprise for all the fans out there!

So, there you have it!

EastEnders might be set in the heart of London, but it's actually filmed in a studio in Hertfordshire. Who would've thought, eh? And next time you're watching your favorite soap opera, just remember - it's all happening just a stone's throw away from where they film Strictly Come Dancing. How's that for a bit of trivia to impress your mates with?

But hey, don't go telling everyone where to find the set, will ya? We wouldn't want the place overrun with tourists, now would we? After all, some things are best left as a little secret. Cheers!