Eastenders swapped Albert Square for Clacton to shoot the show’s Christmas episodes.

Crowds gathered to watch as scenes were filmed on the promenade near Clacton Pier.

Actress Pam St Clement, who plays Pat Butcher, was among the stars on set. Unconfirmed rumours suggest the storyline could include Pat’s exit from the show.

Christmas trees were set up outside the pier entrance and decorations placed along the promenade to give the scene a festive feel.

Producers expecting blustery October conditions were disappointed when they arrived to find sun-bathers on the beach.

The cast had to contend with 27C heat, and one extra in a Father Christmas costume was left desperately seeking shade between takes.