South Essex has welcomed many stars and crews for filming for TV and movies.

Our part of the county is often a favourite for production crews and teams, especiallly Southend.

Earlier this week, megastar Tom Cruise was reportedly spotted in Basildon for filming at an industrial estate, with a helicopter landing.

A video shared on Facebook seems to show the actor with a helicopter at Burnt Mills Industrial Estate in Basildon yesterday.

The video seems to show the actor waving at fans and onlookers. 

Delighted fans claim they say the star landing in the helicopter in Burnt Mills to film. It is understood he was at a filming buisness in the town.

 

In December, film crews and TV stars have descended on Southend's city centre as filming took takes place Netflix’s The Crown.

And a board was seen in these pictures which reads "The Crown, Derek Richard Strand and Ben Wilson, scene 51, take 1".

Various United Nations Land Rovers, military vehicles, tents and a press conference with actors portraying press photographers were pictured.

Echo:

Southend's welcomed EastEnders stars and crews on many occasions over the years, as the hit BBC One soap continued its love affair with the now city.

1987

Back in 1987, Pauline Fowler (Wendy Richard), Arthur Fowler (Bill Treacher) and Michelle (Susan Tully) filmed in Southend.

They filmed at the Three Shells on Southend seafront as well as being pictures at the old Peter Pan’s Playground.

Echo:

2011

Slightly more recently, EastEnders all made a visit in June 2011.

The main storyline focused on Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty), who went on the run from her abusive ex, Rob X.

She ends up getting a lift to Southend, but he tracks her down and came face to face with her new boyfriend on the pier.

Other storylines were also filmed Shirley Carter (Linda Henry) and Heather Trott arranged a holiday to Southend to see George Michael, where they were joined by Dot Branning and Fatboy as Dot wanted to visit her sister Rose.

Echo:

 

2013

In 2013, the EastEnders crew and cast spent three days filming in Southend again.

The scenes involved Alfie Moon’s wedding to Roxy Mitchell.

They shot the scenes in the early hours of the morning on October 4, where Alfie was seen chasing after and banging on the door of the plane.

2022

The most recent time the EastEnders crew and actors visit Southend was earlier this month.

This March Martin and Stacey were spotted filming in Adventure Island before the heading into the sea on East Beach, Shoebury.

Even some of the Adventure Island staff became extras in the BBC One soap.

Echo: