EastEnders fans praise BBC soap over London Marathon effort

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Viewers said the footage was seamlessly added into the episode
Viewers said the footage was seamlessly added into the episode

IMPRESSED EastEnders viewers have praised the BBC soap for including live footage of its stars running the London Marathon.

Producers worked overnight to include the scenes in tonight's show - 24 hours after filming

Honey and Billy ran the marathon - and the real footage was shown in tonight's episode qhiddtiqutiqxeprw
Honey and Billy ran the marathon - and the real footage was shown in tonight's episodeCredit: BBC
The London Marathon took place in the capital city yesterday
The London Marathon took place in the capital city yesterdayCredit: BBC
Real life footage of actors Jamie Bortwick and Emma Barton will be used in the episode
Real life footage of actors Jamie Bortwick and Emma Barton will be used in the episodeCredit: BBC

In January, The Sun exclusively revealed that the BBC soap would be airing never seen before scenes using real-life footage of EastEnders actors Jamie Borthwick and Emma Barton running the London Marathon.

Jay ran to honour the legacy of brain tumour victim and wife Lola, who died last year, alongside Honey - whose boyfriend Billy Mitchell planned to propose to.

However, after police stepped in after he crossed onto the race track, Billy was put in a van and told to stay put.

Spectacular New Year fireworks light up London sky as huge crowds celebrate across UK for first time in three yearsSpectacular New Year fireworks light up London sky as huge crowds celebrate across UK for first time in three years

Footage of Honey and Jay running through London was cut into the episode - with crowds cheering as they were supported on the 26-mile slog.

One viewer said: "The way they incorporated the marathon scenes amazes me. They did a fantastic job!! Smashed it emma and jamie (jay and honey too) ;)."

Another added: "So clever how they've done this."

A viewer added: "1st time i've watched this for 10 years, and only 'cos i saw those 2 interviewed, actually them doing the marathon made for really good scenes!!!!!!! and congratulations guys if you're reading this, well done!!!!!"

In a surprise twist after Billy's proposal went wrong, it was Honey who decided to pop the question.

They celebrated in the Queen Vic after the moment was caught on camera at aired on the famous pub's TV.

A world record breaking 578,374 people applied to take part in this year’s marathon. Participants are capped at 50,000.

Since the first London Marathon in 1981, more than £1.1billion has been raised for charity.

When the storyline was announced, Jamie told us: “I’m really pleased to be taking part in the London Marathon.

"EastEnders is a London show, and as far as I’m aware, we’ve never shown it before on screen so I’m really excited to be a part of it, although I swore I would never run it again after the last time!”

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And EastEnders Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw added: “The London marathon is a landmark occasion in the capital, and therefore we’re thrilled to celebrate our city and offer our viewers a never-before-seen glimpse of the momentous day through the characters of Jay and Honey as they take part in the event.

"Lola’s death had a profound effect on the residents of Walford and this storyline will continue to follow her loved ones as they attempt to come to terms with her death and honour her legacy.”

Billy Mitchell plans a shock proposal as Honey runs the London Marathon in EastEnders
Billy Mitchell plans a shock proposal as Honey runs the London Marathon in EastEndersCredit: BBC

Amanda Devlin

London, Soap stars, London Marathon, EastEnders spoilers, EastEnders, BBC ONE, BBC

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