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DIY SOS: EastEnders Special leaves viewers in tears as soap stars help charity

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EastEnders' Scott Maslen was touched by the charity founder's emotional story

DIY SOS fans have been left in tears after watching their favourite stars from EastEnders transform a derelict bungalow into an incredible charity base.

Nick Knowles enlisted the help of the BBC soap actors to do up the old caretaker's house for a mental health charity in time for Christmas.

DIY SOS fans were left in tears at this year's Christmas special eiqeeiqeriudprw
DIY SOS fans were left in tears at this year's Christmas specialCredit: BBC
Nick Knowles was joined by the cast of EastEnders to help transform a charity hub
Nick Knowles was joined by the cast of EastEnders to help transform a charity hubCredit: BBC

The charity, called The Butterfly Effect, had no real hub and instead relied on renting out corners in cafes and portacabins.

But thanks to Nick and his volunteers - including EastEnders' Natalie Cassidy, Scott Maslen and Gillian Wright - it now has a brand new home.

Viewers of the BBC One show were left crying after The Butterfly Effect's founder Angie saw her charity's base for the first time.

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Choking back tears, Angie - whose mum took her own life - said: "I can't thank everyone enough.

"It's more than we ever dreamed of."

She added: "There's no way we could have done this. We were just going to lick it a lick of paint and crack on."

Scott, who plays Jack Branning, told Angie: "You've had a terrible situation happen to you and you've turned the situation into this moment, which is incredible."

Writing on X, formerly know as Twitter, one fan admitted: "Got me tearing up!"

Another added: "Yup, the @DIYSOS#Eastenders Special is really delivering… In tears already - and I’m only 15 mins in…"

And a third wrote: "What amazing cause on a special show diy sos Eastenders. Did make me teary. Butterfly Effect's new place looks amazing love it. Well done everyone!"

DIY SOS's EastEnders Special was filmed as a one-off treat for Christmas.

Zaraah Abrahams and Perry Fenwick also donned builders' hardhats and did their bit to help The Butterfly Effect.

Host Nick was shown at the start of the episode chatting to the Angie, whose mum Chris took her own life following a battle with her mental health.

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Once complete, the run-down and damp bungalow had been totally transformed into a fantastic base for the charity members.

Based in Essex, the revamped building has a cafe, a craft room and a relaxation space. The grounds also mean volunteers can hold BBQs and grow their own veg.

Gillian Wright was there to lend a hand
Gillian Wright was there to lend a handCredit: BBC
Perry Fenwick also mucked in to help The Butterfly Effect
Perry Fenwick also mucked in to help The Butterfly Effect
The EastEnders cast were moved by the change the new base will make to the charity
The EastEnders cast were moved by the change the new base will make to the charityCredit: BBC
Nick and the team transformed a derelict bungalow
Nick and the team transformed a derelict bungalowCredit: BBC
The new home for the charity features a relaxation room and cafe
The new home for the charity features a relaxation room and cafeCredit: BBC

Natasha Rigler

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