EASTENDERS bosses have secretly built a massive new set expansion – and it even comes with a nod to the King.
The studio plot in Elstree has been undergoing an £87m revamp for years and now the next stage is nearing completion.
Sign up for the EastEnders newsletter
Parts of the old set have been utilised to create new streets and locations in Walford for the soap to film on.
The huge expansion includes a parade of shops on ‘Charles Street’ as well as a hospital, a new police station, a box-park style eating area, a gaming bar and a rival garage for future storylines.
King Charles, 76, and wife milla, 77, appeared in a special episode of EastEnders back in June 2022 to mark the Queen’s platinum jubilee which saw the couple attend a street party organised by Danny Dyer’s character Mick Carter.
During the walkabout Charles also enjoyed a cheeky Jamaican rum with Walford legend Patrick Trueman.
A source said: “The soap is celebrating 40 years on our screens and what better way to mark it than expanding the existing set with exciting new places to film.
“And of special course a nod to the King of England with the new street.
“Everyone has such fond memories of his appearance a few years ago with Camilla.
“Building works have been going on for some time but it’s hoped that it will be finished this summer.
“It’s all really exciting and there’s a real buzz on set especially with everything around the 40th.”
Last week devastated viewers watched as Martin Fowler died saving Stacy Slater from the Queen Vic collapse.
EastEnders legend killed off in heartbreaking 40th anniversary live episode
Actor James Bye left the soap after the live episode after ten years playing Martin.
Martin was the first baby born on EastEnders with his mother’s later in life pregnancy being revealed in the very first episode.
Killer Reiss Colwell also died having been crushed by a bathtub while trying to force Sonia Fowler to go into labour with him there.
An EastEnders spokeswoman declined to comment.
