EastEnders: Albert Square is getting a mosque and no ‘radicalisation storyline’ with it, promises BBC

Soap was previously praised for its treatment of Islam in wake of Paris terror attacks

(BBC)

The set at Elstree Studios that has served EastEnders for 30 years is to be demolished, with a new £15 million one being built that will include a mosque located just off Albert Square.

The new set will be 20 per cent bigger, according to the Sun, with the mosque being the soap’s first religious building and an addition designed to reflect a more “authentic” version of east London.

The tabloid was quick to talk up the possibility of a radicalisation/terrorism plot-line, quoting a source as saying: “It’s been considered and discussed.

“The soap wants to be up to date and timely. It is a realistic storyline for an East London community.”

An EastEnders spokesperson was quick to crush this claim however, telling the Evening Standard: “There are no current plans for a radicalisation storyline."

EastEnders was praised last year for highlighting the true meaning of Islam during an episode broadcast in the wake of the Paris terror attacks.

One brief scene saw Muslim character Tamwar (Himesh Patel) attempt to explain his religion to girlfriend Nancy (Maddy Hill), after she asked him what an Arabic passage he had marked in The Quran meant.

“Do good to relatives, orphans, the needy, the neighbour who is near of kin, the neighbour who’s a stranger, to the companion at your side, and to the traveller,” it read.

Tamwar said: “That to me is what Islam is about. Be kind to people, family and strangers alike, and love them.”