EastEnders spoilers: serious fire storyline ‘revealed’ as smoke seen billowing from Albert Square set
THE EastEnders cast have been filming a dramatic explosion scene that left smoke billowing from the set, according to reports.
Bosses are keen to keep the fireball plot under wraps, but local residents saw the smoke and heard a collection of emergency service vehicles wailing in the Square.
A source told "There were ambulances and fire engines and a lot of smoke. It was definitely not an emergency, they were filming something."
While the show declined to reveal details of the storyline in a bid to keep it a surprise for fans, an insider said: "The explosion is really the start of a massive autumn for the show that will take them through the rest of the year."
As well as the potentially deadly blast, the soap is gearing up to welcome some major names, both new and old.
Yesterday we exclusively revealed the first picture of Harry Redknapp on set, with the footy boss grinning in front of a bewildered Billy Mitchell.
His cameo, which comes after he urged the soap’s bosses to give him a role in a Sun on Sunday interview in January, will air on the show next month.
The former West Ham boss plays himself in a scene in which he visits “good friend” Rocky - causing a stir as the Walford residents are celebrating the Euros.
He will also be seen strolling into the Queen Vic pub to have a chat with Mick Carter, played by another real-life Hammers fan - Danny Dyer.
Thrilled Harry said on set: “I’ve watched it (EastEnders) so many times over the years, so to be here is just fantastic.
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"I just thought I’d pop into the Vic for a pint.
“It’s amazing being here, as I say, watching the programme for so many years.
"And my missus don’t miss it. It’s her favourite.”
Enders legend Janine Butcher [Charlie Brooks] will also soon make a sensational return to the soap and bosses have guaranteed it will be steeped in high-drama.
A source said: “Bosses have a huge story planned for Charlie’s return.
“They are keeping tight-lipped about whether Janine will come back as a reformed character after all the chaos she has caused in the past.
“But she certainly has a lot of history in Albert Square so whether she will be welcomed back with open arms or not remains to be seen.
“One thing the viewers can be sure about is that it is bound to be explosive. Wherever Janine goes, drama is never far behind.”