Eurovision superstar Olly Alexander has finally put the age-old EastEnders question about the Queen Vic to rest.
The Starstruck singer, 33, heade to Walford to reconnect with old friend Johnny Carter (Charlie Suff), who recently returned to the Square after several years living in Manchester.
Speaking about his surprise cameo on the BBC One soap, Olly told Rebecca Judd on Apple Music 1: ‘It was a career highlight of mine. I think they just got in touch and said, “Would Olly be interested in doing a little walk-on, little cameo role in an episode of EastEnders?”
‘And of course I was like, “Please, yes, let me.” I’ve grown up watching EastEnders and it’s my mum’s favourite TV show.’
When asked what the beloved Queen Vic smells like, he added: ‘It does smell a bit like a pub, because they’ve got real the kegs with, maybe it’s fake ale, but it smells of that leftover beer smell. So there was authenticity there for sure.’
Olly’s arrival in the local boozer caused quite a stir, and he soon attracted the attention of the punters.
While enjoying his drink with bestie Johnny, he took photos with young Britney Wainwright (Lola Campbell), before witnessing a surprising proposal when, buoyed by the celebratory atmosphere, Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty) got down on one knee.
Olly takes the time to catch up with his old mate Johnny (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
@bbceastenders Take a look #BTS to see what @Olly Alexander got up to when he was in Walford! Watch him in action on #EastEnders via BBC iPlayer! @BBC @Harriet Thorpe @ShonaMcGarty @Molly Rainford @BBC Eurovision
Speaking about his guest appearance, Olly said: ‘I’m thrilled to be making my first appearance on EastEnders and in the most iconic pub in the UK. I’m so happy I got to meet some true screen legends and spend time on set with the brilliant cast and crew.
‘I wanted to surprise my mum as it’s her favourite show but I guess the cat is out of the bag now, she’s gonna love it!’
‘When we discovered that Olly Alexander was a huge fan of the show and an opportunity arose in one of our stories, it was the perfect moment for us to invite him to Albert Square to appear,’ Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw explained.
‘We hope the audience enjoy Olly’s special guest-appearance as much as everyone at EastEnders enjoyed having him in Walford.’
However, in a behind the scenes video, Olly revealed that this wasn’t his first time stepping foot in the iconic Queen Vic, as he revealed that he had been in to film a special for Children In Need a number of years ago.
Olly appeared alongside Nadine Coyle and Peter Andre, and emphasised how nice it was to be back.
