30 'BECO BUILDING SITE' FACTS YOU DIDN'T KNOW!

[Howard Radcliff]

FACT #15

Position P identified in image 22 (fact 14) pin points the location where Barry and Moxey discuss entering into a new porn business venture with Oz (image 27a). Directly below where they stand marks precisely the position where Neville finds the bomb in episode 2, 'Who Won the War Anyway?' prior to the construction of ‘Set Building #3’ (image 27b).

Had the bomb been found 30 years later (2013), it would be located in the approximate position of EastEnders ‘Victoria Square’ as circled (image 28) directly opposite Walford Police Station!

IMAGE 27a: Oz, Barry and Moxey discuss their new porn venture in episode 10, 'Last Rites'.
IMAGE 27b: Neville discovers the bomb after 'fetching his ball' in episode 2, 'Who Won the War Anyway?'.

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IMAGE 28 (below): Aerial view of the fictional EastEnders set at Elstree Studios back lot identifying the location where Neville found the bomb in episode 2, 'Who Won the War Anyway?'.
Key - 1: Elstree Studios, 2: Malden Road, 3: Welbeck Close, 4: Stratfield Road and circled in red: Eastenders 'Victoria Square'.

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[Howard Radcliff]

FACT #16

Image 29 offers a never before seen artist’s impression of ‘Set Building 4’. Here we see the Playboy billboard serving its purpose blocking lines of sight toward’ Welbeck Close’ (position K & image 31 position R).

Raising the height of the scaffolding (scaffold lift 2, image 29) during the series gave the appearance construction had progressed. In reality, despite seeing the lads work on this building in excess of 15 times during their 6 month stint in Germany, a relatively small quantity of bricks were laid.

Some memorable close-up scenes on and around ‘Set Building #4’ include:

Position Q: Following a tea break, an uncharacteristic Oz believes “the average German isn’t bad” after suggesting the lads get back to work pronto in episode 11, ‘The Lovers’ (image 30).

Position R: “Firm, all the edges nice and square, perfect really” Oz realises ‘what a canny job the German brick is’ in episode 11, ‘The Lovers’ (image 31). Note: below position R is the very location we see Neville kick his football over the green trailer into the adjacent excavation in episode 2 ‘Who Won the War Anyway?’ prior to scaffold lift 2.

Position S: Dennis is ‘learning fast ‘and refuses to offer Oz guidance on how to handle his affair with Uli in episode 11, ‘The Lovers’ (image 32).

Position T: (First scaffold lift): Following a phone call from England, Oz explains to Dennis and Bomber that Neville’s wife Brenda is making an impromptu visit to Germany in episode 6, ‘The Accused’.

Position T: (Second scaffold lift): Dennis discovers his wife Vera would like to visit him in Germany to ‘talk things over’ despite their pending divorce in episode 12, 'Love and Other Four Letter Words’ (image 33).

Position U: (rear face of building) Oz asks his German colleague why they can’t write their own songs in episode 2, ‘If I Were a Carpenter’ (image 34). This position also serves the location where Barry discusses the benefits of ‘alternative medicines’ and ‘naturopathic cures’ in episode 6, ’The Accused’ (image 35). Note; despite 5 episodes having passed, little brickwork has been carried out!

IMAGE 29: BECO Building Site 'Set Building #4'. Illustration by Andrew C Patrick

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IMAGES 30 - 35: Selected screen shots filmed on 'Set Building #4' as identified in image 29 (above)

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[Howard Radcliff]

FACT #17

With reference to artist’s impression image 29, (fact 16, above) you will note the instantly recognisable timber crane sleepers in the foreground which span the back lot at Elstree Studios and are featured heavily throughout the series.

Image 36a (below) depicts the lads crossing the timber crane sleepers in a north-westerly direction staggering home to ‘Hut B’ following a good drink at the club in episode 4, ‘Suspicion’. To the left is ‘Set Building #4’ (see fact 16, above) and to the right is ‘Set Building #1’ (see fact 9, page 1).

If we were to follow in the footsteps of Dennis, Neville, Bomber, Wayne, Barry and Moxey today (2013), we’d be walking towards ‘Albert Square’ through the market via ‘Bridge Street’ and under the railway bridge in the soap EastEnders!

Image 36b (below) offers an insider’s more recent view of filming on EastEnders ‘Bridge Street’ looking in the opposite direction towards the railway bridge. As can be seen, the Queen Vic pub is situated to the left and the market on the right. In the distance, we can make out the roof and chimney tops of residential terrace housing on ‘Malden Road’ (referred to in fact #4, page 1) which contribute to Walford's fictional urban setting.

IMAGE 36a (below left): Looking in a north-westerly direction on the BECO Building Site in episode 6, 'Suspicion'.
IMAGE 36b (below right): Looking back in a south-easterly direction on EastEnders 'Bridge Street' towards residential street 'Malden Road'.

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[Howard Radcliff]

FACT #18

Many legendary press images capturing our magnificent seven were taken here on Elstree Studios back lot. Thirty years on, they’re still used to promote the series via various forms of media.

Beyond EastEnders train bridge (image 36b, above) marks another key position on Elstree Studios back lot. This was the location where we see Dennis and Bomber approach Helmut and his German colleagues and tentatively request financial assistance to help towards Neville’s bail in episode 6, ‘The Accused’ (image 37a).

This position also served the location for one such promotional photograph capturing a ‘mean and moody’ magnificent 7 and was featured on the classic front cover of the 1988 Volume 3 VHS release of ‘Suspicion’ / ‘Home Thoughts from Abroad’ (image 37b).

A complete collection of the earliest Auf Wiedersehen, Pet VHS video releases can be viewed here: http://auf-pet.com/vhsvideos.html.

In the background of both images we can clearly see the fifth and final set building the lads worked on here at Elstree Studios.

Let’s take a closer look at ‘Set Building 5’ and find out why it was very different to the first four...

IMAGE 37a: Dennis and Bomber approach Helmut and his German colleagues requesting financial assistance towards Neville's bail.
IMAGE 37b: Auf Wiedersehen, Pet 1988 VHS Volume 3 artwork featuring the press shot taken in the very same location on Elstree Studios back lot.

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[Howard Radcliff]

FACT #19

‘Set Building 5’ forms the final piece of our three-dimensional structural jigsaw located on the back lot at Elstree Studios. But this building, (image 38, below) differs from the previous 4 buildings we’ve looked at to date for a number of reasons.

This 3 storey building is the tallest, widest and most prominent on set and forms the backdrop to countless scenes throughout the series (images 39b, c & d). It is positioned very close to the south eastern boundary against the rear gardens of Malden Road and as such has very little depth to its construction. The design and position of this building (or façade in this case) intentionally blocks our view toward the rear elevations and back gardens of this typical English terrace. However, eagle-eyed viewers will note the building has no side elevations and several scenes offer direct lines of sight toward the residential dwellings beyond.

Whilst ‘Set Buildings #1’ to ‘#4’ provided the location for in excess of 65 close-up scenes, only a hand full of scenes were filmed on ‘Set Building #5’ - one of which included the moment where Dennis thanks a German scaffolder for ‘getting his mate his job back’ after Oz was fired in episode 2, ‘Who Won the War Anyway’, (image 39a & position V).

The location directly in front of this building saw Bomber and Neville wade through the drainage channel in search of the vandals moments before capturing escapee Colin following his fall into the very same water filled excavation in episode 8, 'The Fugitive’.

Whilst the main superstructure of this 3 storey building had been completed by the time Dennis, Neville and Oz arrive on site in episode 1, only the outer skin of red brickwork in addition to a partly constructed roof would give the illusion construction had progressed throughout the series.

The design of the building with its angular 45 degree chamfer, concrete columns and large window openings mimics buildings (albeit on a smaller scale) of a similar style to those incidental scenes we see on the Hamburg construction site in Germany. These details again convince us our magnificent 7 are working in foreign lands!

IMAGE 38: BECO Building Site 'Set Building #5'. Illustration by Andrew C Patrick

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IMAGE 38a: Only one close-up scene was filmed on 'Set Building #5' where Dennis thanks a German scaffolder in episode 2, 'Who Won the War Anyway?'
IMAGES 38b, c & d: Selected screen shots identifying 'Set Building #5' forming the backdrop to numerous scenes.

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[Howard Radcliff]

FACT #20

Although several scenes were filmed on location in Dusseldorf in keeping with the storyline, the ‘real’ German building site (or sites) used in a hand full of close-up scenes together with many long distance incidental scenes were in fact filmed in Norderstedt, Hamburg.

As previously described, ‘Set Building #5’ (fact 19, above) imitates similar buildings under construction during the early 80’s within the Norderstedt area and were used as a backdrop to several scenes throughout series 1.

Image 39a, depicts one such scene as Wayne returns to site following an overnight stay with a ‘young fräulein’ from the local post office in episode 8, ‘The Fugitive’. This building was also used in episode 1, ‘If I Were a Carpenter’, as Dennis, Oz, Bomber and Wayne jump into two taxis prior to enjoying an evening’s ‘entertainment’ in - as we are led to believe - ‘Dusseldorf’.

The buildings actual location is situated on Heidbergstraße in Hamburg and its brick faced angulated façade is clearly illustrated in the aerial photograph below (image 39b). You will note the prominent flue under construction in image 39a still stands 30 years later as circled in image 39b.

[Howard Radcliff]

FACT #21

It was a partly constructed office and production facility (currently named ‘Stradtwerke’) on Heidbergstraße, Norderstedt that would become the ‘real’ German BECO Building Site.

Image 40 (below) depicts an aerial view of the site as it stands today (2013). The building defined in blue was used as the main focal point for many short incidental filming sequences which would later be interwoven with main storey lines filmed at Elstree Studios, Borehamwood, England.

It was here, less than 100 yards east of Norderstedt Mitte (Norderstedt train station) we see Dennis, Oz and Neville first step foot on the ‘real’ German BECO Building Site reporting for work late, due to Oz’s unreliable clapped out Zephyr breaking down on the autobahn in episode 1, ‘If I Were a Carpenter’ (position W, image 41a).

Greeting them with arms folded and a cheeky cockney grin was carpenter Wayne, located high up on the corner of this partly constructed building (position X, image 41b).

Other scenes filmed on this building site in Norderstedt included:

Position Y: Incidental scene portraying Oz and Bomber labouring in episode 2, ‘Who Won the War Anyway?’ (image 41c).

Position Z: Helmut drops off a hung-over Neville at the BECO site entrance and thanks his German friend for the previous evening’s hospitality and ‘kip down’ also in episode 2, ‘Who Won the War Anyway?’ (image 41d).

Position AA: Bomber, Barry and Moxey eagerly collect their mail from Dagmar in episode 6, ‘The Accused’ (image 41e).

Position BB: Dennis, Oz, Bomber and Wayne leave site at dusk to paint the town red in episode 1, ‘If I Were a Carpenter’ (image 41f, & image 39a, fact #20, above).

IMAGE 40: The 'real' German BECO Building Site, Heidbergstraße, Norderstedt

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IMAGES 41a - 41f: Selected screen shots highlighting incidental filming sequences filmed in Norderstedt, Hamburg which would later be interwoven with main storey lines filmed at Elstree Studios, Borehamwood, England.

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[Howard Radcliff]

FACT #22

The construction site on 'Heidbergstraße' in Norderstedt (fact 21, above) was not the only site to be used in Germany doubling as our BECO Building Site. Approximately 400 yards south-west of Norderstedt Mitte (Norderstedt train station) a handful of close-up scenes were also filmed within a large residential complex on ‘Buckhorner Moor’. The apartment block highlighted in blue (aerial image 42) provided the location for a handful of scenes including:

Position CC: “What’s ‘langsam’ Dennis?” Oz recollects his evening with Suzie Wong ‘the other night’ in episode 1, ‘If I Were a Carpenter’ (image 43a). Note; the red roofed buildings in the distance off ‘Rathausallee’ and ‘Grassweg’ are in fact residential apartments with underground parking (refer to fact 8, page 1)

Position DD: Oz and Neville leave for the swimming baths whilst Barry tinkers with his motorbike in episode 7, ‘Private Lives’ (image 43b).

Position DD: Dennis warns Neville no matter how legless they get, nobody lets Oz get behind the wheel of their hire car in episode 8, ‘The Fugitive’ (image 43c).

Position EE: Dennis, Neville, Bomber and Moxey take a drive into the country for a spot of fishing in episode 8, ‘The Fugitive’ (image 43d).

I wonder if the current German residents know they’re living in 'Auf Pet' architectural history....?

IMAGE 42: Aerial photograph of residential apartments off 'Buckhorner Moor', Germany used in a handful of scenes.

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[Howard Radcliff]

FACT #23

As mentioned, the magic of television transports us seamlessly to and from Germany throughout series 1. The earliest example occurs in episode 1, 'If I Were a Carpenter' where Dennis, Oz and Neville's first arrival on site is filmed in Norderstedt, Hamburg (image 41a, fact 21, above). Following an order from Herr Grunwald to "put your things in your hut", they cross site in search of accommodation.

An incidental long distance shot follows before we are unknowingly transported 450 miles across the north sea to Elstree Studios, Borehamwood, England where our three Geordies pass the 'Turk's Hut' prior to meeting gentle giant Bomber for the first time.

Image 44 (below) offers a never before seen artist’s impression of the 'Turk's Hut' at Elstree Studios in context with the surrounding film set illustrating:

Position FF: Following Herr Grunwald's orders, Dennis, Oz and Neville cross the site in search of accommodation in episode 1, 'If I Were a Carpenter'. This is the first time we see the Elstree Studio outdoor film set on screen (image 45a).

Position GG: Neville, Wayne and Barry divert the attention of Herr Ulrich during a kick about whilst Moxey 'redistributes' paint in episode 11, 'The Lovers' (image 45b).

Position HH: Depicts the roof line of 'Set Building #5' (refer to fact #19, above)

Position JJ: Depicts the north-west elevation of 'Set Building #1' (refer to fact #9, page 1)

Position KK: Bomber advises Dennis, Oz and Neville 'which is the best hut' in episode 1, 'If I Were a Carpenter' (image 45c).

Position LL: The Turks run to Oz's rescue following his affair with Uli in episode 11, 'The Lovers' (image 45d).

IMAGE 44: BECO Building Site 'Turks Hut'. Illustration by Andrew C Patrick

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IMAGE 45a-d: Selected screen shots identifying filming locations adjacent to the 'Turks Hut'.

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[Howard Radcliff]

FACT #24

And the magic of television continues at Elstree...

According to Director Roger Bamford, the BECO Building Site film set at Elstree Studios was designed in such a way to ensure there was ‘always a way out'. This provided various routes throughout the set for characters to appear and disappear from sight thus permitting greater flexibility and creativity during filming whilst convincing the viewer the building site was far bigger than it was in reality.

Whilst some scenes amalgamate locations filmed many miles apart (fact 23, above), others filmed at Elstree Studios are a great deal closer to each other than the storylines lead us to believe. One such example is the location of the paint store where Neville, Wayne and Barry divert the attention of Herr Ulrich during a game of football (image 45b, above) whilst Moxey loads a wheelbarrow with primer during daylight hours in episode, 11 'The Lovers' (image 46a).

In reality, this paint store trailer (Image 46b, position MM) is located adjacent to the Turks Hut which is situated only a few yards from the front door of Hut B, (position NN)!

IMAGE 46a: Moxey 'redistributes' paint in episode 11, 'The Lovers'.
IMAGE 46b: The paint store trailer is located only yards from the entrance of Hut B!

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[Howard Radcliff]

FACT #25

A further example of ‘artistic filming licence’ occurs on Elstree Studios back lot during fans favourite episode ‘Private Lives’ gaining 32.5% of total votes as voted via awpet.com and readers of the north-east’s leading newspaper, the ‘Evening Chronicle’.

Episode 7 centres on the memorable antics of Barry and Wayne, ‘on the pull’. On leaving Hut B (image 47a), Barry’s first lesson sees Wayne ‘clock’ Dagmar locking the 'Admin Hut' after working weekend overtime. However, a direct line of sight from their current position to the ‘Admin Hut’ (image 47b) is not possible due to the position and orientation of buildings, huts and trailers on site.

The actual location in which they look is the position where Wayne meets Bomber's daughter, Tracy in episode 5, ‘Home Thoughts from Abroad’, which is situated adjacent to the site deliveries entrance (refer to fact 4, image 3).

Whilst the precise location and sequence of filming in no way affects episode continuity or our enjoyment of the series, it demonstrates the resourceful use of this relatively small site to suit any given storyline.

Let’s take a closer look at the ‘Admin Hut’...

[Howard Radcliff]

FACT #26

Who could forget the unmistakeable green ‘Admin Hut’, home of Herr Grunwald, Herr Ulrich, Dagmar and Christa?

The 'Admin Hut', which intentionally resembles the green site hut in Norderstedt, Hamburg (image 49a), is located towards the north-west corner of the Elstree Studios back lot and is featured extensively throughout the series. In excess of 40 individual scenes were filmed in and around this hut alone!

Image 48 offers a never before seen artist’s impression of the ‘Admin Hut’ looking south from the main site entrance. In the background of this elevated view we can make out the roof line of the residential terrace on ‘Welbeck Close’ (position PP - refer to fact 2, image 2). Also visible are the roof trusses of ‘Set Building #3’ (refer to fact #14, image 22) and ‘Playboy’ billboard in the distance (position QQ). Note how the red trailer situated to the left of the 'Admin Hut' creates a backdrop to several scenes whilst intentionally blocking lines of sight towards other parts of the film set throughout the series.

Amongst numerous memorable scenes filmed within the vicinity of the site entrance adjacent to the ‘Admin Hut’ (position RR) include:

“This place looks alright though; it’s got a, sort of, better air hasn’t it? Need electricians do they?” The lads collect their pay packets prior to Barry’s impromptu arrival on site in episode 1, ‘If I Were a Carpenter’ (image 49b).

“You know what I’m going to do when he does turn up? I’m going to connect him to this hose pipe here and I’m going to blow gravel right up his jacksie” Disgruntled McGowan awaits his pay packet from a late Herr Phisters in episode 3, ‘The Girls They Left Behind’ (image 49c).

“Herr Busbridge, come please, telephone”. Bomber receives a call from his wife Patsy regarding his missing daughter in episode 5, ‘Home Thoughts from Abroad’ (image 49d).

“Herr Grunwald, nice one!” Dennis’s plan to evict an unwelcome lodger results in McGowan receiving his cards in episode 9, ‘The Alien’ (image 49e).

Wayne and Moxey catch a glimpse of their ‘delectable looking beloved’ in episode 11, ‘Love and Other Four Letter Words’ (image 49f).

IMAGE 48: BECO Building Site 'Admin Hut'. Illustration by Andrew C Patrick

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IMAGE 49a: Similarities of the green site hut in Norderstedt, Hamburg.
IMAGE 49b-f: Selected screen shots identifying filming locations adjacent to the 'Admin Hut', at Elstree Studios, Borehamwood

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[Howard Radcliff]

FACT #27

"The hostel is full... you will have to stay on the compound..." Herr Grunwald, episode 1, 'If I Were a Carpenter'
______

Undeniably, the eighth 'character' of series 1 was home of our magnificent 7 - 'Hut B'.

Located east of 'Set Building #2' (fact 10, page 2) and north-west of the 'Turks Hut' (fact 23 above), 'Hut B' would become the pivotal focus of the series forming the heart of the BECO Building Site film set here at Elstree Studios. (image 50a)

Just over 3 hours and 5 minutes of footage filmed within the four walls of this illustrious blue hut would make the final cut amounting to a massive 29% of series 1!

Whilst the space within appeared somewhat confined on screen, the reality was somewhat worse with cast, crew, director, wardrobe, make-up, lighting, sound engineers and equipment all contributing to create an extremely restricted working environment! (image 50b)

[Howard Radcliff]

FACT #28

“If there was ever a definition of ambivalence, the answer would be two words, 'The' 'Hut'!'" Christopher Fairbank

Whilst in excess of 95 scenes filmed within 'the hut' made the final cut, many more were filmed around the perimeter of its four timber walls.

Image 52 illustrates an elevated never before seen artist’s impression of our infamous 'Hut B' looking west across Elstree Studios film set. From this angle we gain an appreciation of this legendary timber structure in context with its environment. Behind we can see set building #2 and the mechanical digger moving forward prior to the discovery of the bomb in episode 2, 'Who Won the War Anyway?'. In the distance we can see the yellow site sign located adjacent to the Admin Hut and beyond we see the outline of domestic housing on Stratfield Road, Elstree.

In addition, several memorable scenes include:

Position SS: "Hey, you're a long way from home ain’t ya? What is it, netball tour of Europe or somethin’ darlin’?" Wayne discovers Bomber's missing daughter has travelled to Germany in search for her dad in episode 5, 'Home Thoughts From Abroad' (image 53a).

Position TT: "I'm of. I'll go to the undertakers, do the paperwork and then I'm off to the airport, right?" Barry and Moxey assist Oz moving Hedley's coffin preloaded with pornographic videos in episode 10, 'Last Rites' (image 53b).

Position UU: "Achtung Herben!" A disgruntled Oz falls foul of Barry and Moxey's newly constructed herb garden in episode 5 'Home Thoughts from Abroad' (image 53c).

Position VV: "It was coming from the hut as well.... as if we didn't have enough problems eh?" Dennis and Bomber discover a rat... or was it a cat? Episode 12, 'Love and Other Four Letter Words' (image 53d).

Position WW: Identifies the nearby roof line of the 'Turks Hut' (refer to fact 23, image 44)

Position XX: In the distance a digger moves in as Neville discovers a bomb in episode 2, 'If I Were a Carpenter'. Later, this would become the position for 'Set Building #3' (refer to fact 14, image 22)'.

Position YY: South-east elevation of 'Set Building #2' where in excess of 40 outdoor scenes were filmed (refer to fact 10, image 13)

Position ZZ: In the far distance we can see the white and yellow site entrance sign on the north-west boundary (episode 1, 'If I Were a Carpenter', image 53f) - Beyond the sign the rear elevations of several residential properties on 'Stratfield Road' are evident.

IMAGE 52: BECO Building Site 'Home of the Magnificent 7 - Hut B'. Illustration by Andrew C Patrick

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IMAGE 53a-f: Selected screen shots identifying filming locations adjacent to and nearby 'Hut B', at Elstree Studios, Borehamwood

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[Howard Radcliff]

FACT #29

Filmed on 22nd June 1983, the end of an era came whilst filming episode 13 ‘When the Boat Goes Out' when Wayne's carelessly discarded cigarette ignited leaking petrol from Barry's bike destroying their home ‘Hut B’ along with passports and personal belongings.

It is well documented that the special effects team were somewhat overzealous resulting in hazardous flames and debris falling around cast and crew, evident during the closing scenes of this magical final episode written by Stan Hey. Such was the velocity of the 'pyrotechnics', it was reported cameraman Roy Simper was dragged through a window of the burning structure to safety complete with recording equipment narrowly escaping tragedy!

But this fire was not the only spectacular televised blaze to make history on the back lot of Elstree Studios. Only a few yards from where 'Hut B' once stood currently stands EastEnders 'Queen Vic' pub (2013) which was also set on fire during two separate storylines; once in 1992 by Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) as an insurance scam and once in 2010 by Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) to hurt his mother Peggy. Clearly the Mitchell brothers followed in the footsteps of Moxey's passion for arson!

Image 54 illustrates an aerial view of today’s EastEnders fim set looking east (2013) towards Elstree Studios. The blue box bound in red behind the dominant ‘Queen Vic’ pub identifies the approximate position of 'Hut B' superimposed over the BBC's fictional 'Walford Community Centre'!

IMAGE 54: Aerial view of EastEnders film set at Elstree Studios indicating approximate former location of 'Home of the Magnificent 7 - Hut B'
[1] ‘BBC Elstree Studios’ (formelly ATV), [2] ‘Malden Road’, [3] ‘Welbeck Close’ [4] ‘Stratfield Road’

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