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EastEnders fans drive 100 miles to watch show from car

Rachael Lewis & Trish Adudu
BBC WM
Luke Mitchell Two people smiling and sitting in their car with a thumbs up. Luke Mitchell
Luke and Abbie parked up next to Albert Square to watch the soap episode on their phone, with the set in the background

Two EastEnders superfans travelled about 100 miles (160 km) to watch the programme's live 40th anniversary show - on a mobile in the car.

Luke Mitchell and Abbie Taylor drove from Birmingham to Borehamwood in Hertfordshire to park outside the studio with other fans who were keen to be close to the action.

The popular soap marked the anniversary with a live show, during which the audience had the power to vote online to decide the outcome of one storyline.

Ms Taylor said it was "surreal" to be outside the studio and watch the episode on their mobile as the show was being filmed.

The pair drove the two-hour trip down to London, wanting to be part of the historic episode. A fanzone was set up for avid viewers to watch in one place.

"We just absolutely love EastEnders," Ms Taylor said.

PA Media three people look seriously into the camera. PA Media
To officially mark 40 years since EastEnders first aired on BBC One, a whole week of episodes took place over one day.

"I've watched it ever since I was growing up. I'm such a big fan.

"It was just surreal being there while they were filming live."

To officially mark 40 years since EastEnders first aired on BBC One, a week of episodes took place over one day.

There was a special hour-long episode on Wednesday, followed by the live episode on Thursday.

"The atmosphere was unreal," Mr Mitchell said.

"There were people crying, having breakdowns, you name it, it was happening.

"It's the craziest things I think I've experienced, and to drive two hours down there and two hours back was well worth it."

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