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EastEnders cast in asbestos health scare

Deadly asbestos has been found “yards away” from where the EastEnders cast and crew film the BBC One soap opera in north London.

Stars of the show found themselves in the midst of a serious health scare when the poisonous substance - traditionally used in materials to insulate buildings - was found on a site near the set.

Builders carrying out extraction work alerted producers and the site was swiftly shut down when the asbestos was discovered whilst cast members Adam Woodyatt (Ian Beale), Lacey Turner (Stacey Slater) and Steve McFadden (Phil Mitchell) filmed scenes for the popular soap.

BBC Pictures

However, a BBC Spokesperson said there was no risk and their schedule wasn’t effected, adding to The Sun newspaper: “Extraction work at a trench outside the site has been stopped whilst some tiles are dealt with by licensed contractor.”

Exposure to asbestos causes up to 5000 deaths each year from cancer triggered by inhaling its fibres.