The Queen Vic will expand into Albert Square itself to open a beer garden when EastEnders returns this September.

The soap is currently on a break from transmission after coronavirus brought production to a halt in March, although filming of new episodes has been taking place over the last few weeks.

Paparazzi pictures of the set published in the Daily Mail show a sign outside the Vic reading "beer garden", with tables and parasols set up in the square opposite.

The move ensures that the iconic boozer can continue to operate within the social distancing guidelines for pubs set out by the government.

The last episode of the soap before it went on a break unveiled Sharon (Letitia Dean) as the Vic's new landlady.