EastEnders fans praise BBC soap as real-life scenes air from London Marathon after quick turnaround

IMPRESSED EastEnders viewers have praised the BBC soap for including live footage of its stars running the London Marathon.

Producers worked overnight to include the scenes in tonight’s show – 24 hours after filming

In January, The Sun exclusively revealed that the BBC soap would be airing never seen before scenes using real-life footage of EastEnders actors Jamie Borthwick and Emma Barton running the London Marathon.

Jay ran to honour the legacy of brain tumour victim and wife Lola, who died last year, alongside Honey – whose boyfriend Billy Mitchell planned to propose to.

However, after police stepped in after he crossed onto the race track, Billy was put in a van and told to stay put.

Footage of Honey and Jay running through London was cut into the episode – with crowds cheering as they were supported on the 26-mile slog.

One viewer said: “The way they incorporated the marathon scenes amazes me. They did a fantastic job!! Smashed it emma and jamie (jay and honey too) ;).”

Another added: “So clever how they’ve done this.”

A viewer added: “1st time i’ve watched this for 10 years, and only ‘cos i saw those 2 interviewed, actually them doing the marathon made for really good scenes!!!!!!! and congratulations guys if you’re reading this, well done!!!!!”

In a surprise twist after Billy’s proposal went wrong, it was Honey who decided to pop the question.

They celebrated in the Queen Vic after the moment was caught on camera at aired on the famous pub’s TV.

A world record breaking 578,374 people applied to take part in this year’s marathon. Participants are capped at 50,000.

Since the first London Marathon in 1981, more than £1.1billion has been raised for charity.

When the storyline was announced, Jamie told us: “I’m really pleased to be taking part in the London Marathon.

“EastEnders is a London show, and as far as I’m aware, we’ve never shown it before on screen so I’m really excited to be a part of it, although I swore I would never run it again after the last time!”

And EastEnders Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw added: “The London marathon is a landmark occasion in the capital, and therefore we’re thrilled to celebrate our city and offer our viewers a never-before-seen glimpse of the momentous day through the characters of Jay and Honey as they take part in the event.

“Lola’s death had a profound effect on the residents of Walford and this storyline will continue to follow her loved ones as they attempt to come to terms with her death and honour her legacy.”