EASTENDERS’ shiny new £87million set is finally being seen on our screens – but eagle-eyed viewers have noticed something off about one of its iconic features.
The Arches, home of Ben Mitchell and Kheerat Panesar’s garage business, has had a face-lift in the expensive overhaul.
A huge wall of corrugated metal sheeting has been removed to make way for a wide cobbled alleyway allowing for a greater range of filming opportunities.
The front of the business is now much more spacious too, with steps and a grassy area beside the children’s play area.
One viewer wrote on Twitter: “Well, the area in front of the Arches has certainly grown!”
Another commented: “Pretty sure there was a wall next to the Arches.”
A third said: “Did they knock the wall down next to the arches and move the park?! At least have the new set look like the old set! #EastEnders.”
However, others appreciated the need for change, with one writing: “It makes sense to improve the Arches area, it’s a frequent setting.”
The small garage has been the scene of violent attacks and even a murder when Ronnie Mitchell bumped off villain Carl White in 2014.
The original 1984 set was upgraded after being declared not for purpose. It can now accommodate filming in high definition and began being used earlier this year.
Last night HOAR exclusively revealed the Elstree set is being blighted by foxes who keep pooing everywhere.
Production Manager Rona McKendrick, who has been working on the BBC1 soap for 30 years, said: “We’ve got a new back alley as it were — the back gardens.
“Even the foxes like it because they’re actually pooing on the grass.
“It’s real fox poo. It’s not stunt poo.
“It’s a lovely new area — a road with garages.
“We can expand storylines and show different areas of Walford.”
EastEnders airs on BBC1 at the new time of 7.30pm, Monday to Thursday.
