BBC film crews descended on Bushey this weekend as stars of EastEnders turned out to shoot funeral scenes for one of the soap-opera’s longest standing characters.

Pat Butcher, played by veteran actress Pam St Clement since 1986, is due to be killed off in the popular British show.

Trailers filled the car park of the Bushey Golf and Country Club as filming took place in High Street and at St James’ Church for the long-running television drama on Saturday and today (Monday).

Famous characters Bianca Jackson, played by Patsy Palmer, Rickie Fowler, played by Sid Owen, and Janine Butcher, played by Charlie Brooks, were among those featuring in the scenes.

Staff at a nearby restaurant reported large crowds of fans and on-lookers gathered outside the historic village church on Saturday trying to glimpse the soap stars.

Hayley Gibbs, owner of a nearby beauty salon, said: "It was really nice, the high street seemed really busy all day Saturday.

"It didn't disrupt anything too much and i think it is a good thing for the area - it is quite exciting."

A BBC spokesperson declined to comment on the nature of the filming but it is thought the programme’s directors shot at least three possible endings to avoid any storyline leaks.

Did you see the filming taking place this weekend? Contact the news desk on 07824 530116.