Walford
Encyclopedia
Walford is a fictional borough
of east London
in the BBC
soap opera
EastEnders
. The name Walford is both a street in Dalston
where one of the series' creators, Tony Holland
, lived and a blend
of Walthamstow
, where Holland was born, and Stratford
. The suffix 'ford' is also found throughout East London and Essex, for example, South Woodford
). Walford's London postcode district
is E20 (real East London postcode districts only went up to E18 until 2011, when E20 was introduced to serve the London 2012
Olympic Park) and a fictional tube station, Walford East
, which is located on the EastEnders tube map
in the position normally occupied by the real Bromley-by-Bow tube station
. Denise Fox also mentioned that Walford has another tube station called Walford West.
EastEnders is actually filmed at Borehamwood in Hertfordshire, towards the north-west of London
. Much of the location work is filmed in nearby Watford
.
Locations used in Watford are: The cemetery
(where most of the deceased characters are interred), most interior and exterior church scenes of various churches, the snooker club, and the County / Magistrate Courtrooms.
It has been suggested that Watford
- a town situated just beyond London's borders in the county of Hertfordshire
- was chosen for much of the exterior scenes due to its close proximity, and that the town name is so similar to Walford. Thus, any stray road signs or advertising boards which are accidentally filmed in the back of shots will appear to read Walford.
. The following fictional nearby locations are also frequently featured.
, which includes a fruit and vegetable stall originally run by Pete Beale
, and later by Mark Fowler
, Martin Fowler
and Ian Beale
. Businessman Ian once plans to remove the market in favour of a shopping centre
, much to the dislike of the residents and his family. In 2004, the residents celebrate 100 years of the market.
Bridge Street also includes many shops and businesses, such as a mini-supermarket
named Minute Mart (originally First 'Til Last), which is owned by Patrick Trueman
. There is also the Walford launderette which is owned by Mr Papadopoulos, though he is rarely seen. The launderette is run by Dot Branning
. Pauline Fowler
works at the launderette for over 30 years until her death in 2006. Dot works with Pauline much of that time, and continues to run the launderette after her death. After Pauline's death, Shirley Carter, Yolande Trueman
, Honey Mitchell
, Heather Trott and Carol Jackson
work there at various times.
Also in Bridge Street is Shirley's Café (named after Shirley Carter), which is owned by Ian
and Jane Beale until their divorce, when Jane becomes the sole onwner, and Carol Jackson
becomes the manager. Jane sells it to Phil Mitchell
, who buys it for his partner Shirley Carter. It is originally run by Ali
and Sue Osman
and Ian is employed there. At one point, the café is named Laura's when it is owned by Phil Mitchell
, though Ian buys it back again. The café undergoes a refurbishment in 2009 after it is destroyed by fire.
The name Bridge Street was chosen as the street connects Albert Square to the market.
owns a property here that he lets out.
restaurant, which is bought by Masood Ahmed
and Zainab Masood
in 2010 and is run by themselves along with their son Tamwar
. There is also Walford East tube station, outside which Danielle Jones
is run over and killed by Janine Butcher in April 2009. King George House is a Bed & Breakfast establishment on George Street where many characters have stayed.
owns it. Employees of the garage include Garry Hobbs
, Minty Peterson
, Carly Wicks
, Ryan Malloy
, Ricky Butcher
, Jay Brown
and Connor Stanley. There is also a community centre
(briefly a gym) and nearby is the playground.
s, run by Carol Jackson
and also former employees Glenda Mitchell
, Ryan Malloy
and Janine Malloy. There is also Beale's Plaice, the local chip shop, owned and run by Ian Beale
and his wife Jane. The Turpin Road war memorial
is also here; it pays tribute to residents of Walford who died in the First
and Second World Wars
. However, in real life the memorial features names of people involved with EastEnders along with past stars. Walford Video is on Turpin Road for a number of years and managed by Nigel Bates
, Barry Evans
and later Billy Mitchell
, until Phil Mitchell
sells it to Manju Patel, who turns it into a Sari shop.
There is also a nightclub
called R&R. It is originally named The Market Cellar until George Palmer
buys the club and renames it the Cobra Club. When George moves, he sells it to Steve Owen who renames it e20. It is later sold to Sharon Watts
who names it Angie's Den. In 2005 the club extends its space when Johnny Allen
buys the next door snooker club. It is named Scarlet after Johnny's daughter who died in a fire. In 2007 Ronnie Mitchell
reveals her plans to buy the club, which she does with her business partner Jack Branning
. Ronnie and sister Roxy Mitchell
name it R&R. In January 2011, Jack sells his share of the club (60%) to Phil Mitchell.
The post office on Turpin Road is managed by Zainab Masood
until it becomes Gilly's Massage Parlour. The massage parlour is built in 2009 as a cover for a brothel that is run from there. 10 Turpin Road is a beauty salon, originally named Booty and owned by Tanya Branning
, who is forced to sell. Roxy buys it and names it Roxy's, and employs Kim Fox
, Jodie Gold
and later Tanya as manager, whilst Syed Masood
rents a room for his massage business. Roxy later sells the salon to Tanya and she re-names it to its original name, Booty.
The name Turpin Road was chosen after the show's creators read that the East End was the haunt of notorious highwaymen, such as Dick Turpin
.
of flats where various characters in EastEnders live over the years. Walford Towers can be seen from Albert Square (a real block of flats in Borehamwood
called Canterbury House), though closer exterior shots of the building have used a variety of different towers through the years.
Pete
, Kathy and Ian Beale
live in a flat in Walford Towers in 1985. Carol
, Alan
, Bianca
, Robbie
, Sonia
, and Billie Jackson live here before moving to Albert Square in 1994. Billy
and Honey Mitchell
move with their children to a flat in Walford Towers in 2008 after a period of homelessness.
is often mentioned by characters, who usually go there to buy items not available in the shops featured. The High Street itself has never been shown.
.
London borough
The administrative area of Greater London contains thirty-two London boroughs. Inner London comprises twelve of these boroughs plus the City of London. Outer London comprises the twenty remaining boroughs of Greater London.-Functions:...
of east London
East End of London
The East End of London, also known simply as the East End, is the area of London, England, United Kingdom, east of the medieval walled City of London and north of the River Thames. Although not defined by universally accepted formal boundaries, the River Lea can be considered another boundary...
in the BBC
BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
soap opera
Soap opera
A soap opera, sometimes called "soap" for short, is an ongoing, episodic work of dramatic fiction presented in serial format on radio or as television programming. The name soap opera stems from the original dramatic serials broadcast on radio that had soap manufacturers, such as Procter & Gamble,...
EastEnders
EastEnders
EastEnders is a British television soap opera, first broadcast in the United Kingdom on BBC One on 19 February 1985 and continuing to today. EastEnders storylines examine the domestic and professional lives of the people who live and work in the fictional London Borough of Walford in the East End...
. The name Walford is both a street in Dalston
Dalston
Dalston is a district of north-east London, England, located in the London Borough of Hackney. It is situated northeast of Charing Cross. The area is identified in the London Plan as one of 35 major centres in Greater London...
where one of the series' creators, Tony Holland
Tony Holland
Anthony John "Tony" Holland was an English television screenwriter best known as a writer and co-creator of the BBC soap opera EastEnders.-Early career:...
, lived and a blend
Blend
In linguistics, a blend is a word formed from parts of two or more other words. These parts are sometimes, but not always, morphemes.-Linguistics:...
of Walthamstow
Walthamstow
Walthamstow is a district of northeast London, England, located in the London Borough of Waltham Forest. It is situated north-east of Charing Cross...
, where Holland was born, and Stratford
Stratford
Stratford is a place name found in many English-speaking countries. It derives from the Old English words stræt and ford...
. The suffix 'ford' is also found throughout East London and Essex, for example, South Woodford
South Woodford
South Woodford is a suburb of north-east London in the London Borough of Redbridge, situated north-east of Charing Cross. Together with Woodford Green, Woodford Bridge and Woodford Wells it forms the area known as Woodford, the origins of which date back at least to the Saxon period...
). Walford's London postcode district
London postal district
The London postal district is the area in England, currently of , to which mail addressed to the LONDON post town is delivered. The area was initially devised in 1856 and throughout its history has been subject to periodic reorganisation, contraction and division into increasingly smaller postal...
is E20 (real East London postcode districts only went up to E18 until 2011, when E20 was introduced to serve the London 2012
2012 Summer Olympics
The 2012 Summer Olympic Games, officially known as the "London 2012 Olympic Games", are scheduled to take place in London, England, United Kingdom from 27 July to 12 August 2012...
Olympic Park) and a fictional tube station, Walford East
Walford East
Walford East is the name of a fictional London Underground station on the BBC soap opera, EastEnders. In the story the station is located a short distance from Albert Square...
, which is located on the EastEnders tube map
Tube map
The Tube map is a schematic transit map representing the lines and stations of London's rapid transit railway systems, namely the London Underground , the Docklands Light Railway and London Overground....
in the position normally occupied by the real Bromley-by-Bow tube station
Bromley-by-Bow tube station
Bromley-by-Bow tube station is a London Underground station on the Blackwall Tunnel Northern Approach Road in the Bromley-by-Bow neighbourhood of the London Borough of Tower Hamlets in east London, England. The station is on the District and Hammersmith & City lines, with both services sharing a...
. Denise Fox also mentioned that Walford has another tube station called Walford West.
EastEnders is actually filmed at Borehamwood in Hertfordshire, towards the north-west of London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
. Much of the location work is filmed in nearby Watford
Watford
Watford is a town and borough in Hertfordshire, England, situated northwest of central London and within the bounds of the M25 motorway. The borough is separated from Greater London to the south by the urbanised parish of Watford Rural in the Three Rivers District.Watford was created as an urban...
.
Locations used in Watford are: The cemetery
Cemetery
A cemetery is a place in which dead bodies and cremated remains are buried. The term "cemetery" implies that the land is specifically designated as a burying ground. Cemeteries in the Western world are where the final ceremonies of death are observed...
(where most of the deceased characters are interred), most interior and exterior church scenes of various churches, the snooker club, and the County / Magistrate Courtrooms.
It has been suggested that Watford
Watford
Watford is a town and borough in Hertfordshire, England, situated northwest of central London and within the bounds of the M25 motorway. The borough is separated from Greater London to the south by the urbanised parish of Watford Rural in the Three Rivers District.Watford was created as an urban...
- a town situated just beyond London's borders in the county of Hertfordshire
Hertfordshire
Hertfordshire is a ceremonial and non-metropolitan county in the East region of England. The county town is Hertford.The county is one of the Home Counties and lies inland, bordered by Greater London , Buckinghamshire , Bedfordshire , Cambridgeshire and...
- was chosen for much of the exterior scenes due to its close proximity, and that the town name is so similar to Walford. Thus, any stray road signs or advertising boards which are accidentally filmed in the back of shots will appear to read Walford.
Places of interest
EastEnders main location is the fictional Albert SquareAlbert Square
Albert Square is the fictional location of the BBC soap opera EastEnders. It is ostensibly located in the equally fictional London borough of Walford in London's East End. The square's design was based on the real life Fassett Square in Hackney, and was given the name Albert Square after the real...
. The following fictional nearby locations are also frequently featured.
Bridge Street
Bridge Street is the main street in to Albert Square and is home to the Walford street marketStreet market
A street market is an outdoor market such as traditionally held in a market square or in a market town, and often held only on particular days of the week...
, which includes a fruit and vegetable stall originally run by Pete Beale
Pete Beale
Peter "Pete" Beale is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Peter Dean. He made his first appearance in the programme's first episode, on 19 February 1985. The character was created by Tony Holland, one of the creators of EasEnders; he was based on a member of...
, and later by Mark Fowler
Mark Fowler
Mark Albert Fowler is a fictional character from the popular British BBC soap opera EastEnders. Mark was an original regular character in the series starting February 1985 but became a semi-regular after his original portrayer David Scarboro was written out of the role in April 1985. Scarboro made...
, Martin Fowler
Martin Fowler (EastEnders)
Martin Albert Fowler is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by James Alexandrou from 1996 to 2007.The role was previously played by Jon Peyton Price from early life as a baby in 1985 to 1996, just before Martin's teenage years began.-Storylines:Martin is the younger son...
and Ian Beale
Ian Beale
Ian Albert Beale is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Adam Woodyatt. He is the longest-serving character and the only remaining original character to have appeared continuously since the first episode on 19 February 1985...
. Businessman Ian once plans to remove the market in favour of a shopping centre
Shopping mall
A shopping mall, shopping centre, shopping arcade, shopping precinct or simply mall is one or more buildings forming a complex of shops representing merchandisers, with interconnecting walkways enabling visitors to easily walk from unit to unit, along with a parking area — a modern, indoor version...
, much to the dislike of the residents and his family. In 2004, the residents celebrate 100 years of the market.
Bridge Street also includes many shops and businesses, such as a mini-supermarket
Supermarket
A supermarket, a form of grocery store, is a self-service store offering a wide variety of food and household merchandise, organized into departments...
named Minute Mart (originally First 'Til Last), which is owned by Patrick Trueman
Patrick Trueman
Patrick Neville Loftus Alfonso Trueman is a fictional character from the popular British BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Rudolph Walker. He made his first appearance on 13 September 2001.-Backstory:...
. There is also the Walford launderette which is owned by Mr Papadopoulos, though he is rarely seen. The launderette is run by Dot Branning
Dot Branning
Dorothy "Dot" Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera, EastEnders, played by June Brown since 1985. In a special episode entitled EastEnders: Dot's Story a young Dot was played by Tallulah Pitt-Brown in flashbacks. Dot first appeared in EastEnders in July 1985 as the mother of...
. Pauline Fowler
Pauline Fowler
Pauline Fowler is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, a long-running serial drama about working class life in the fictional London borough of Walford. She was played by actress Wendy Richard between 1985 and 2006. Pauline was created by scriptwriter Tony Holland and producer...
works at the launderette for over 30 years until her death in 2006. Dot works with Pauline much of that time, and continues to run the launderette after her death. After Pauline's death, Shirley Carter, Yolande Trueman
Yolande Trueman
Yolande Trueman is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Angela Wynter. The character made her final appearance on 3 October 2008.-Storylines:...
, Honey Mitchell
Honey Mitchell
Susan "Honey" Mitchell is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Emma Barton. She made her first appearance in the show on 22 November 2005. It was reported on 19 April 2008 that she had been axed from EastEnders, and her last appearance was on 2 September 2008...
, Heather Trott and Carol Jackson
Carol Jackson
Carol Ann Jackson is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Lindsey Coulson. The character was introduced in 1993 as part of a new problem family. Coulson decided to quit the role in 1997, but she returned temporarily in 1999 as part of a storyline that marked Carol's...
work there at various times.
Also in Bridge Street is Shirley's Café (named after Shirley Carter), which is owned by Ian
Ian Beale
Ian Albert Beale is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Adam Woodyatt. He is the longest-serving character and the only remaining original character to have appeared continuously since the first episode on 19 February 1985...
and Jane Beale until their divorce, when Jane becomes the sole onwner, and Carol Jackson
Carol Jackson
Carol Ann Jackson is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Lindsey Coulson. The character was introduced in 1993 as part of a new problem family. Coulson decided to quit the role in 1997, but she returned temporarily in 1999 as part of a storyline that marked Carol's...
becomes the manager. Jane sells it to Phil Mitchell
Phil Mitchell
Philip James "Phil" Mitchell is a long-running fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Steve McFadden.Phil first arrived in Albert Square on 20 February 1990, and was soon joined by his brother, Grant, sister Sam and mother Peggy...
, who buys it for his partner Shirley Carter. It is originally run by Ali
Ali Osman
Ali Osman is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Nejdet Salih. He was a member of the original EastEnders cast, appearing in the first episode on 19 February 1985. He remained with the show for nearly five years afterwards, making his final appearance on 10 October...
and Sue Osman
Sue Osman
Susan "Sue" Osman is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Sandy Ratcliff. She was one of the serial's original characters, appearing in its first episode on 19 February 1985 and departing on-screen in May 1989. Created by Tony Holland and Julia Smith, Sue was...
and Ian is employed there. At one point, the café is named Laura's when it is owned by Phil Mitchell
Phil Mitchell
Philip James "Phil" Mitchell is a long-running fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Steve McFadden.Phil first arrived in Albert Square on 20 February 1990, and was soon joined by his brother, Grant, sister Sam and mother Peggy...
, though Ian buys it back again. The café undergoes a refurbishment in 2009 after it is destroyed by fire.
The name Bridge Street was chosen as the street connects Albert Square to the market.
Victoria Square
Victoria Square is home to a number of bedsits that are considered to be low-class. These are usually used when characters find themselves homeless. Ian BealeIan Beale
Ian Albert Beale is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Adam Woodyatt. He is the longest-serving character and the only remaining original character to have appeared continuously since the first episode on 19 February 1985...
owns a property here that he lets out.
George Street
The houses in George Street would seem to be a step up from the houses in Albert Square. There is also the Argee Bhajee, an IndianIndian cuisine
Indian cuisine consists of thousands of regional cuisines which date back thousands of years. The dishes of India are characterised by the extensive use of various Indian spices, herbs, vegetables and fruit. Indian cuisine is also known for the widespread practice of vegetarianism in Indian society...
restaurant, which is bought by Masood Ahmed
Masood Ahmed
Masood Ahmed is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Nitin Ganatra.- Storylines :Masood moves to 41 Albert Square with Zainab, Shabnam and Tamwar in October 2007. Masood and Zainab are both active in the postal industry: Masood is a postman and Zainab the owner of a...
and Zainab Masood
Zainab Masood
Zainab Masood is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by comedienne Nina Wadia. She made her first appearance on 16 July 2007.-Backstory:...
in 2010 and is run by themselves along with their son Tamwar
Tamwar Masood
Tamwar Masood is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Himesh Patel. He made his first appearance on 1 October 2007.- Storylines :...
. There is also Walford East tube station, outside which Danielle Jones
Danielle Jones (EastEnders)
Danielle Jones is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Lauren Crace. The character appeared between 18 August 2008 and 3 April 2009. Crace's casting in the role was announced in July 2008, when she was described as a love interest for fellow new character Callum Monks...
is run over and killed by Janine Butcher in April 2009. King George House is a Bed & Breakfast establishment on George Street where many characters have stayed.
Turpin Way
Turpin Way includes the local garage, Mitchells Autos (informally known as The Arches), which is bought by the Mitchell brothers when they first arrive in Walford. It is briefly known as Beale's Wheels when Ian BealeIan Beale
Ian Albert Beale is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Adam Woodyatt. He is the longest-serving character and the only remaining original character to have appeared continuously since the first episode on 19 February 1985...
owns it. Employees of the garage include Garry Hobbs
Garry Hobbs
Garry Pelé Hobbs is a fictional character in the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Ricky Groves. He made his first appearance on 18 September 2000...
, Minty Peterson
Minty Peterson
Richard "Rick" Peterson is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Cliff Parisi. He made his first appearance on 11 March 2002. His nickname was given to him because he was always late for work, turning up "after eight" when he was an apprentice mechanic...
, Carly Wicks
Carly Wicks
Carly Wicks is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Kellie Shirley, and by Michaela Stephen in a home movie the Wickses watched on 23 April 2007. She made her first appearance on 17 February 2006. Carly was axed from the serial after Phil Daniels quit. Carly is...
, Ryan Malloy
Ryan Malloy
Ryan Malloy is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Neil McDermott. From his arrival on 28 April 2009, the character remained a mystery in the show for a number of months until he was revealed as the half brother of established character Whitney Dean...
, Ricky Butcher
Ricky Butcher
Richard Francis "Ricky" Butcher is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Sid Owen. Introduced as a school boy in 1988, Ricky is one of the longest-running, male protagonists to feature in EastEnders. Owen originally left the role in 2000 to pursue a music career...
, Jay Brown
Jay Brown
James "Jay" Mitchell is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Jamie Borthwick. He made his first appearance during the episode broadcast on 14 December 2006.-Backstory:...
and Connor Stanley. There is also a community centre
Community centre
Community centres or community centers or jumping recreation centers are public locations where members of a community tend to gather for group activities, social support, public information, and other purposes. They may sometimes be open for the whole community or for a specialised group within...
(briefly a gym) and nearby is the playground.
Turpin Road
In Turpin Road there is a bookmakerBookmaker
A bookmaker, or bookie, is an organization or a person that takes bets on sporting and other events at agreed upon odds.- Range of events :...
s, run by Carol Jackson
Carol Jackson
Carol Ann Jackson is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Lindsey Coulson. The character was introduced in 1993 as part of a new problem family. Coulson decided to quit the role in 1997, but she returned temporarily in 1999 as part of a storyline that marked Carol's...
and also former employees Glenda Mitchell
Glenda Mitchell
The following is a list of characters who first appeared or are due to appear in the BBC soap opera EastEnders in 2010, by order of first appearance...
, Ryan Malloy
Ryan Malloy
Ryan Malloy is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Neil McDermott. From his arrival on 28 April 2009, the character remained a mystery in the show for a number of months until he was revealed as the half brother of established character Whitney Dean...
and Janine Malloy. There is also Beale's Plaice, the local chip shop, owned and run by Ian Beale
Ian Beale
Ian Albert Beale is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Adam Woodyatt. He is the longest-serving character and the only remaining original character to have appeared continuously since the first episode on 19 February 1985...
and his wife Jane. The Turpin Road war memorial
War memorial
A war memorial is a building, monument, statue or other edifice to celebrate a war or victory, or to commemorate those who died or were injured in war.-Historic usage:...
is also here; it pays tribute to residents of Walford who died in the First
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
and Second World Wars
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. However, in real life the memorial features names of people involved with EastEnders along with past stars. Walford Video is on Turpin Road for a number of years and managed by Nigel Bates
Nigel Bates
Nigel Bates is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Paul Bradley from 1992 to 1998. Introduced in 1992 by Leonard Lewis, the character was incorporated gradually and brought back as a regular following a brief stint due to a popular reception. He was depicted as a...
, Barry Evans
Barry Evans (EastEnders)
Barry Evans is a fictional character played by Shaun Williamson. He appeared in the BBC soap opera EastEnders between 1994 and 2004. The character was portrayed as a "buffoon." Williamson controversially left the serial after ten years in 2003 after executive producer Louise Berridge refused to...
and later Billy Mitchell
Billy Mitchell (EastEnders)
William "Billy" Mitchell is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Perry Fenwick, who made his first appearance on 2 November 1998. Billy was seen when Phil went to visit his godson Jamie. However, he didn't arrive in the Square until 2 August 1999, almost a year after...
, until Phil Mitchell
Phil Mitchell
Philip James "Phil" Mitchell is a long-running fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Steve McFadden.Phil first arrived in Albert Square on 20 February 1990, and was soon joined by his brother, Grant, sister Sam and mother Peggy...
sells it to Manju Patel, who turns it into a Sari shop.
There is also a nightclub
Nightclub
A nightclub is an entertainment venue which usually operates late into the night...
called R&R. It is originally named The Market Cellar until George Palmer
George Palmer (EastEnders)
George Palmer is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Paul Moriarty. He appeared between 1996 and 1998, but was one of many characters axed by then Executive Producer Matthew Robinson.-Storylines:...
buys the club and renames it the Cobra Club. When George moves, he sells it to Steve Owen who renames it e20. It is later sold to Sharon Watts
Sharon Rickman
Sharon Anne Rickman is a fictional character from the popular BBC1 soap opera EastEnders, played by Letitia Dean, who was a regular cast member for the first 10 years after the programme began on 19 February 1985. She returned in May 2001, and appeared on and off, having most recently appeared in...
who names it Angie's Den. In 2005 the club extends its space when Johnny Allen
Johnny Allen (EastEnders)
Jonathan "Johnny" Allen is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Billy Murray.-Storylines:Johnny Allen was a businessman and retired gangster, who grew up in Walford but moved away to start up an empire of his own which he named J.A. Enterprises...
buys the next door snooker club. It is named Scarlet after Johnny's daughter who died in a fire. In 2007 Ronnie Mitchell
Ronnie Mitchell
Veronica Elizabeth "Ronnie" Branning is a fictional character from the British BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Samantha Womack. Ronnie and her sister Roxy were introduced by executive producer Diederick Santer in July 2007; Ronnie is the "ice" to Roxy's "fire"...
reveals her plans to buy the club, which she does with her business partner Jack Branning
Jack Branning
Jack Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Scott Maslen. He made his first appearance on 29 October 2007. He is the youngest child of Jim and Reenie Branning and the brother of April Branning, Carol Jackson, Derek Branning, Suzy Branning and Max Branning...
. Ronnie and sister Roxy Mitchell
Roxy Mitchell
Roxanne Lizette "Roxy" Mitchell is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, portrayed by Rita Simons. Roxy arrived in Walford with her sister Ronnie on 24 July 2007 and decided to move permanently to Walford from Ibiza where they ran a bar together. Roxy is the younger of the two...
name it R&R. In January 2011, Jack sells his share of the club (60%) to Phil Mitchell.
The post office on Turpin Road is managed by Zainab Masood
Zainab Masood
Zainab Masood is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by comedienne Nina Wadia. She made her first appearance on 16 July 2007.-Backstory:...
until it becomes Gilly's Massage Parlour. The massage parlour is built in 2009 as a cover for a brothel that is run from there. 10 Turpin Road is a beauty salon, originally named Booty and owned by Tanya Branning
Tanya Branning
Tanya Lauren Jessop is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Jo Joyner. She made her first appearance on 27 June 2006. She left the show temporarily on 25 December 2009 for maternity leave and returned for one episode on 23 June 2010. She made her full-time return on...
, who is forced to sell. Roxy buys it and names it Roxy's, and employs Kim Fox
Kim Fox
Kimberley Harmony Angelica "Kim" Fox is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Tameka Empson. She is the half-sister of Denise Fox , and aunt to Chelsea Fox and Libby Fox...
, Jodie Gold
Jodie Gold
Jodie Gold is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Kylie Babbington. She first appeared on screen on 7 June 2010. On 24 October 2011, it was announced Babbington's contract would not be renewed and Jodie departed on 14 November 2011, along with Poppy Meadow...
and later Tanya as manager, whilst Syed Masood
Syed Masood
Syed Masood is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Marc Elliott, and first appeared on screen on 21 April 2009. Syed is the eldest son of Masood Ahmed and Zainab Masood , and brother of Tamwar and Shabnam and Kamil Masood...
rents a room for his massage business. Roxy later sells the salon to Tanya and she re-names it to its original name, Booty.
The name Turpin Road was chosen after the show's creators read that the East End was the haunt of notorious highwaymen, such as Dick Turpin
Dick Turpin
Richard "Dick" Turpin was an English highwayman whose exploits were romanticised following his execution in York for horse theft. Turpin may have followed his father's profession as a butcher early in life, but by the early 1730s he had joined a gang of deer thieves, and later became a poacher,...
.
Walford Towers
Walford Towers is a tower blockTower block
A tower block, high-rise, apartment tower, office tower, apartment block, or block of flats, is a tall building or structure used as a residential and/or office building...
of flats where various characters in EastEnders live over the years. Walford Towers can be seen from Albert Square (a real block of flats in Borehamwood
Borehamwood
-Film industry:Since the 1920s, the town has been home to several film studios and many shots of its streets are included in final cuts of 20th century British films. This earned it the nickname of the "British Hollywood"...
called Canterbury House), though closer exterior shots of the building have used a variety of different towers through the years.
Pete
Pete Beale
Peter "Pete" Beale is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Peter Dean. He made his first appearance in the programme's first episode, on 19 February 1985. The character was created by Tony Holland, one of the creators of EasEnders; he was based on a member of...
, Kathy and Ian Beale
Ian Beale
Ian Albert Beale is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Adam Woodyatt. He is the longest-serving character and the only remaining original character to have appeared continuously since the first episode on 19 February 1985...
live in a flat in Walford Towers in 1985. Carol
Carol Jackson
Carol Ann Jackson is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Lindsey Coulson. The character was introduced in 1993 as part of a new problem family. Coulson decided to quit the role in 1997, but she returned temporarily in 1999 as part of a storyline that marked Carol's...
, Alan
Alan Jackson (EastEnders)
Alan Jackson is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Howard Antony. He originally appeared between 1993 and 1997, and returned on 12 October 2010 for three episodes....
, Bianca
Bianca Jackson
Bianca Butcher is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Patsy Palmer. The character was introduced by executive producer Leonard Lewis and appeared initially from 1993 to 1999, when Palmer opted to leave. In 2002 executive producer John Yorke brought the character...
, Robbie
Robbie Jackson
Robert "Robbie" Jackson is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Dean Gaffney from 1993 to 2003. The character was axed in 2003 by executive producer Louise Berridge. He made brief returns in 2004 and 2010 for two family weddings.-Backstory:Robbie was the product of a...
, Sonia
Sonia Fowler
Sonia Ann Fowler is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Natalie Cassidy. Her first appearance was on 21 December 1993 and she made her final appearance on 2 February 2007...
, and Billie Jackson live here before moving to Albert Square in 1994. Billy
Billy Mitchell (EastEnders)
William "Billy" Mitchell is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Perry Fenwick, who made his first appearance on 2 November 1998. Billy was seen when Phil went to visit his godson Jamie. However, he didn't arrive in the Square until 2 August 1999, almost a year after...
and Honey Mitchell
Honey Mitchell
Susan "Honey" Mitchell is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Emma Barton. She made her first appearance in the show on 22 November 2005. It was reported on 19 April 2008 that she had been axed from EastEnders, and her last appearance was on 2 September 2008...
move with their children to a flat in Walford Towers in 2008 after a period of homelessness.
High Street
Walford's High StreetHigh Street
High Street, or the High Street, is a metonym for the generic name of the primary business street of towns or cities, especially in the United Kingdom. It is usually a focal point for shops and retailers in city centres, and is most often used in reference to retailing...
is often mentioned by characters, who usually go there to buy items not available in the shops featured. The High Street itself has never been shown.
Daisy Lane
Daisy Lane is a street near to Walford police station, which was named after the daughter of Series Designer Steven Keogh.Other places
Walford is also home to Walford General Hospital, Walford Primary School, Walford High School and Walford Town Football Club and Walford College. Diggory Passage is another road whose sign is seen in promotional videos for EastEnders: E20EastEnders: E20
EastEnders: E20 is a British Internet soap opera, which began airing on 8 January 2010. A spin-off from the established BBC soap EastEnders, it is set in EastEnders regular setting of Albert Square, a Victorian square in the fictional borough of Walford, in the East End of London...
.