EASTENDERS’ stars played out a major storyline for the BBC soap on the streets of Southend.

Filming in Oaken Grange Drive involved Queen Vic pub landlord Alfie Moon played by Shane Richie and restaurant boss Ian Beale played by Adam Woodyatt.

The road was closed to trafficbetween 10am and 5pm yesterday, and parking in nearby road, Alton Gardens, was partly prohibited too.

Echo:

Adam Woodyatt takes a break

A letter had been sent to residents stating the scenes would revolve around a minor traffic accident, which blocks the road and stops characters from getting to their appointment.

The plot is under wraps, but with both actors in posh suits, the speculation is they were probably on their way to Alfie’s wedding to Roxy Mitchell.

 

Echo:

Alfie Moon confronts a pizza delivery rider

Soap weddings rarely run smoothly, of course, and it was announced earlier this week Danny Dyer had signed up to be the new Queen Vic landlord from Christmas.

Kath Mason, 66, had scenes from the show shot right outside her bungalow.

She said: “I was watching it from my bedroom window this morning! I came out just after 11am when they started to film.

“I’ve watched EastEnders since the very first episode, so it’s great to see them do it and see how long it actually takes – they must’ve done one scene this morning about ten or 12 times.”

Echo:

Picture by Echo reader Simon Murdoch- a police scene filmed by actors

Paul Cain, 48, who lives in nearby Keith Way, walked by while rehearsals were taking place.

He said: “I went to the chip shop at the top of the road to buy some chips and saw all the commotion, so I asked one of the security people what was going on, because I thought there had been a real accident.

“I watched them do about three takes as I walked past, and I saw Shane Richie. I know we’ve had filming down by the seafront before but to have it on your doorstep is quite surprising.”

Alice Ross, 19, who also lives in Oaken Grange Drive, said: “It’s created a buzz down the street, it’s quite exciting.

“I’ve been watching them doing takes and it’s been interesting to watch. You just don’t realise how many times they have to re-do each one. It’s quite surreal seeing it in your road.”