Whitney (Shona McGarty) and Fatboy (Ricky Norwood) on Eastenders set for August 2011 show in Southend on sea essex
Well, we all know that Southend on sea is known for its visitors from the East End, as it’s a popular beach and day trip spot, but this week the cast of ‘Eastenders’ were in town, filming clips to be aired over the August bank holiday weekend, I was told.
I saw them today (Saturday) as they filmed for most of the day along Westcliff Parade, by the Westcliff Hotel – Eastenders characters Whitney (Shona McGarty), Fatboy (Ricky Norwood), Shirley and Heather were there. It just goes to show how hard they all have to work, as they had to repeat shots/scenses time and time again.
It is about time Eastenders came to Southend as many of the residents agreed. As they left at the end of the day, I was so pleased that a very smiley Linda Henry (aka Shirley) stopped to sign a picture of herself and Cheryl Ferguson (Heather) we had in the Echo – as my Mum is a big fan. She also posed for a lovely photo with my Mum. Very nice too. Unfortunately, Cheryl was in a rush so didn’t stop but the whole thing had a good atmosphere, with plenty of ‘extra’s’ happy to talk to us as well as some of the crew. Their day can start by getting out of bed at 5am and finishing at 9pm, so the job is far from glamourous and that was easy to understand watching them today.
They will be coming back to the area to film for another couple of days, but that’s all for this week as they have been in Southend all week, staying at the Westcliff Hotel, the Roslin Hotel and others. Continue reading →
