EASTENDERS £87 MILLION SET HIT WITH RAT INFESTATION AS BBC 'CALLS IN SPECIALIST'

EastEnders' £87 million set in Hertfordshire has reportedly been invaded by rodents. The BBC is said to have called in pest control after rats were suspected of nesting in the show's prop room floor, allegedly feasting on props before specialists intervened.

Despite this, the broadcaster has denied any "infestation", admitting only to occasional unwelcome visitors at the location, which required professional help.

A report from pest control, as per The Sun, stated: "Attended site for call-out due to reported rat activity in the EastEnders prop store mezzanine floor. A thorough visual inspection was carried out showing chewed products/nesting material."

An insider told the publication: "EastEnders has always tried to represent London and that's become a little too true with an outbreak of rats. No one wants to see rodents at work and they have been causing a headache by chewing props and leaving droppings everywhere."

However, it seems patrons of Walford's pub would be none the wiser, as the rodents hadn't infiltrated that set, reports the Mirror. The source added: "Thankfully none have made it into the Queen Vic - yet."

EastEnders has firmly refuted rumours of a "rat infestation" on the set of Albert Square, although they've admitted to occasionally enlisting "specialists" for unexpected rodent visitors.

An EastEnders spokesperson clarified the situation: "There is no rat infestation at EastEnders but on the odd occasion, if we have suspected an unauthorised visit from a furry visitor, we have called in the specialists."

The revelation follows Lorraine Stanley's exit from her role as Karen Taylor in EastEnders. In a twist of fate, she's now set to embrace the role of Queen Rat in the pantomime Dick Whittington at Kings Theatre Portsmouth later this year.

Lorraine Stanley couldn't hide her enthusiasm about her new gig: "Having grown up in Portsmouth, it gives me great pleasure to be playing Queen Rat at the Kings Theatre, a venue I have visited since I was a child. I am really looking forward to performing on stage in this beautiful theatre for all my friends and family and the fantastic Pompey audiences."

She continued with gusto: "I've heard such great things about the Pompey Panto so getting to be a part of it is going to be brilliant fun! Get your tickets and practise your Boo-ing because I guarantee this Queen Rat is going to be a real baddie."

2024-06-28T09:03:55Z dg43tfdfdgfd