BBC 'planning to build mosque on new £15m EastEnders set as show aims to be as authentic as East London'

• BBC EastEnders set in North London is being knocked down and replaced
• The new multi-million pound set will show a more 'authentic' East London
• Plans reportedly include the construction of a mosque near Albert Square
• There will also be a new Tube station, high street and new businesses 

From the Queen Vic to the cafe, millions of EastEnders viewers have become as familiar with the buildings on Albert Square as those outside their own front doors.

But there will be some major changes to the community when the 30-year-old set at Elstree Studios in North London, is demolished and a new multi-million pound one built in its place.

A mosque will reportedly be among a number of new buildings introduced as producers push for a more 'authentic' version of East London than the one currently seen on screen.

According to the Sun, the mosque will be built on a street near to Albert Square and will serve as a 'prominent' place of worship. It will also be the set's first religious building. 

The construction of the mosque raises the possibility that more Muslim characters might be moving on to the square. 

A source also told the newspaper there were discussions around the possibility of a central character being radicalised by Muslim fanatics. The claim was denied by a show spokeswoman. 

The BBC hopes the changes will mean that the set, which will be made 20 per cent bigger and will reportedly cost £15million, will provide more opportunities for storylines.

EastEnders fans will see a new revamped version of the set which will include the Queen Vic, laundrette and cafe.

Documents indicate other changes will include a new Tube station, a high street and new shops and businesses.

The exterior of character homes, which are filmed using temporary facades, will also be replaced with buildings made from real brick in an effort to keep up with the demands of high-definition TV.

EastEnders executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins previously said the new set 'demonstrates the BBC's commitment to the future of EastEnders. 

'We have ambitious plans for the show and the new exterior set will help bring those to life and better reflect the East End of London on screen for audiences,' he said.  

In response to the mosque claims, a BBC spokeswoman said: 'The new locations for the exterior set build are still to be decided. 

'However, as announced previously, the new set will better reflect the East End of London on screen as well as increase the potential for storylines.'