EastEnders set features mural created by Portsmouth university lecturer

Illustration lecturer Neequaye Dsane – known as the artist Dreph – painted the wall mural on the set of the BBC1 soap opera, filmed at Elstree Studios in London.

The artwork is positioned in the drama series’ Bridge Street on the side wall of the Beales’ house – opposite The Queen Victoria pub.

The mural took the artist several days to complete, finishing the work before the cast and crew of the show returned to resume filming at the end of June.

Artist Dreph said he was excited to create a piece to ‘reflect modern day UK’.

He said: ‘The opportunity to have my artwork on the set as a permanent feature, having the same impact as my work has on the streets of London, was a really exciting opportunity.

‘I remember watching the very first EastEnders episode three decades ago, so I was really surprised to hear from the team.

‘I’m so pleased that EastEnders has found a way to reflect modern-day UK in a time when so many of us are finding ways to voice anti-racism and I’m so happy that my work will become the backdrop to future storylines in the show.’

The work is an extension of the show’s commitment to celebrating diversity and tackling social issues, according to EastEnders executive producer Jon Sen.

He said: ‘Dreph’s mural is an exciting and timely addition to the show that reflects events taking place in the real world.

‘Anti-racism is something that the cast, crew and producers care passionately about at EastEnders and the show is well known for tackling social issues and celebrating diversity and inclusivity through its characters and storylines.’

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Due to the national lockdown, the soap opera ran out of episodes on June 16, with the release date of new episodes to be announced.

Last year, Dreph took part in Sky Arts ‘Portrait Artist of the Year 2019’, with the artist creating an oil painting of Jamael Westman, star of the musical Hamilton.

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