On the set of EastEnders

For the last couple of days I've been on a course at Elstree in Hertfordshire. It was my first visit to this particular site and during yesterday's lunch break, I took advantage of a break in filming to go and have a look around the EastEnders set.

I waved to Stacey (Lacey Turner, who incidentally pulled up in a very swish new blue Peugeot), Roxy (Rita Simons) and Steven (Aaron Sidwell) and surprisingly they waved back before going back inside for their next shoot.

It's difficult to tell where the "real world" ends and the fictional town starts. But as soon as I saw the fake bus stop I knew I was in. I entered via George Street, peering into the fake frontages of the Post Office - owned by the Masoods, and passing by 'The Argee Bhajee", before looking up at the very realistic tube bridge.

I had a quick wander up Turpin Road seeing Beale's Plaice, the war memorial and the bookies.


I turned down Bridge Street, past the Nail Bar "Booty" and past the market stalls and - of course - Kathy's cafe - where a selection of artifical sandwiches start at £1.30, a soup and a roll priced at £1.50 and an All Day Breakfast setting you back a virtual £3.50. Pretty good value.

Opposite - the Minute Mart - and Walford's third most popular landmark - Dot's Laundrette - which is number 73 if you're interested.

Continuing up Bridge Street are a number of shop fronts you never really see on TV - there for background effect. And then the two biggest icons - The Queen Vic and the Albert Square sign.

Incidentally they were filming later that day and you can see the episode TX on Mon 25 Feb - look out for Max's car parked by the Vic!

I must have spent about five minutes wandering around, and although a staff employee of the UK's finest broadcasting company I felt I had chanced my arm by this stage. So I promptly turned around, back down Bridge St and George St before exiting back into the real world again.

Great fun - shame I missed the Arches, Arthur's bench and Walford East station but you can't have everything.