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.
Production at the old EastEnders set stopped during the Covid pandemic
A demolition crew was called in
EastEnders is now filmed at the Elstree Centre in Borehamwood
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.
The show is now being filmed at a £87 million location which is suitable for HD filming.
Meanwhile, the old EastEnders set had been left abandoned with some of its buildings still intact after production stopped during the Covid pandemic in 2020.
However, a Twitter user 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.
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 started being built opposite the old set.
BBC bosses were adamant on getting EastEnders HD-ready, which led them to change filming location as they were worried viewers would notice the Vic and its surrounding buildings were made of plaster and plywood.
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 includes additions to Albert Square.
Viewers thus 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 change ahead of the World Cup.
The new EastEnders set is an exact replica of the old one
The old set was only meant to be used for two years but lasted three decades
