EastEnders actor Aaron Thiara, who plays Ravi in the beloved soap, has opened up about a challenging week on set. The cast is currently filming scenes for an upcoming live special that will hit our screens soon. Chatting with This Morning’s Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard, Aaron revealed the team is gearing up for the live episode where viewers will decide the fate of Denise Fox (played by Diane Parish). The audience will vote on whether they want Denise to stay with her husband Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) or choose her affair partner Ravi Gulati. The outcome of this public vote will shape the events in the live special. Joining his co-stars Diane and Scott, Aaron discussed the complexity of shooting scenes that are set to follow the live special, explaining that they’re working on alternative scenarios that may never be broadcast, depending on the viewers’ choice. “It’s been difficult the last few weeks because we’ve been shooting A and B stuff so we’re in April now,” he mentioned, indicating that they are preparing content scheduled for April. “We’ve been doing versions after the live,” reports the Mirror.
(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
Ben questioned: “So you’re shooting loads of stuff that will never come to air depending on what the choice is?” To which Aaron confirmed: “Yeah. It’s been double workload – for Diane really.” This week, EastEnders dropped a bombshell with scenes hinting at a catastrophic blaze at the Queen Vic. A source close to the show spilled the beans: “The Queen Vic explodes as part of the show’s red hot storyline in the coming days. It comes after a car smashes into the pub and is sure to cause chaos and might mean the end of the road for at least one star.” This isn’t the first time viewers have seen the iconic pub engulfed in flames. Back in September 2010, Phil Mitchell inadvertently turned the Queen Vic into a towering inferno, nearly claiming the life of baby Lily Branning and driving pub legend Peggy out of the show. Fans will be able to watch the exciting 40th anniversary special with fellow Albert Square lovers at a watch party hosted by celebrity superfans DJ Goldie Quaker and Peckham’s Finest star Isla Loba in London. The event, which is taking place at BoxPark Wembley, teased: “Whether you’re a lifelong viewer or a new fan obsessed with the iconic plot twists, this is your chance to celebrate in style! Fans can show up dressed as their favourite EastEnders character, or simply let their passion for Albert Square shine through!” EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday from 7pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
