BBC to rebuild Albert Square set out of bricks and concrete at Pinewood because of poor repair work to original

The BBC is planning to relocate the Eastenders set because poor renovations to the original will not stand up to the scrutiny of high definition television.

Reports suggest that BBC bosses have recommended moving Albert Square from Elstree to Pinewood to spare confronting the viewer with shabby repairs including repeated taping and painting over joins, and damage, dirt and scuff marks.

The new set would be constructed from real bricks and concrete, rather than the fake scenery which makes up the current Square. The set, never designed as a permanent fixture, has had to have a series of renovations over recent years, often carried out at night to avoid clashing with filming schedules.

Other potential new homes for the Queen Vic and its surroundings include studios in Bristol, Cardiff and Belfast.