THE stars of EastEnders looked a world away from their characters from Albert Square last night.
Cast and crew of the famous BBC soap were thrown a boozy bash in London‘s posh Mayfair to celebrate the show’s 40th anniversary.
The EastEnders cast enjoyed a boozy bash in posh Mayfair[/caption]
Jessie Wallace and Diane Parish looked in good spirits[/caption]
Louisa Lytton was seen laughing as she left the party[/caption]
The cast gathered outside the club as they left at 4am[/caption]
Martin Fowler died on EastEnders last week[/caption]
It’s been emotional week for cast after iconic character Martin Fowler was crushed to death by a beam.
The tear-jerking live special for the soap’s 40th anniversary has been the most talked about telly moment of the year so far.
Last night, the EastEnders cast were seen letting off steam as they celebrated the soap’s milestone and an emotional week of filming.
Spotted out at the exclusive Twenty Two club was Patsy Palmer, Jessie Wallace, Louisa Lytton and Diane Parish.
They all looked in good spirits as they left the club at 4am after enjoying their party.
EMOTIONAL WEEK
Two people who weren’t spotted at the party were Lacey Turner and James Bye.
Their Stacey Slater and Martin Fowler characters were at the centre of all the action in the live episode.
Actress Lacey has now spoken about the toll the episode took on her emotionally.
Appearing on co-star Natalie Cassidy‘s Off The Telly podcast, she said: “I’m still trying to get over it.
“It’s so overwhelming. It was crazy and such a lovely thing to be a part of.
“It was pretty epic, but bitter sweet for me. I’m heartbroken.
“It’s so weird because it feels like he’s actually died, I haven’t stopped crying.”
MOVING ON
Meanwhile, James probably wasn’t at the party because he is already working on his next acting project.
His new role sees him play Jane Austen hero Mr Darcy in the theatrical world premiere of Death Comes To Pemberley.
Actress Louisa looked stunning as she left the party[/caption]
The cast were seen giggling as they left the party[/caption]
Jessie Wallace looked stunning in her outfit for the night[/caption]
Speaking about the role, James said: “I am leaving EastEnders on an absolute high after the explosive live 40th anniversary episode.
“After a decade of gritty storylines it’s going to be quite a switch to put on period clothes as one of literature’s romantic leading men, but I can’t wait for this new chapter to begin.”
Written by P.D. James, the 2011 novel is a murder-mystery continuation of Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.
This play was adapted by Duncan Abel and Rachel Wagstaff, while it is directed by Joe Harmston.
It also includes Endeavour star Sean Rigby as Colonel Fitzwilliam.
Viewers watched as James’ character Martin died heroically following an explosion that tore through the Queen Vic.
The fruit-and-veg stall holder stayed behind to rescue his ex Stacey but it ultimately cost him his life.
EastEnders continues on BBC One and iPlayer.
Jasmine Armfield reprises her role as Bex for Martin’s funeral[/caption]
