EastEnders is set to feature its very first gay bar when Kathy Beale opens the venue in a future episode - and it’s even got a cheeky name.
Kathy, played by Gillian Taylforth in the BBC soap, has used the money from the sale of an expensive necklace (camp) to buy and convert The Albert Bar.
But when the new pub opens it will be known as The Prince Albert.
Prince Albert, for those who skipped history at school, was the husband of Queen Victoria, who Albert Square’s ancient boozer is named after.
But a Prince Albert also happens to be a type of piercing favoured by certain gentlemen (Google it).
In a promo shot for the upcoming episode, Kathy can be seen posing outside the venue wearing a feather boa.
The Prince Albert will offer an alternative to The Queen Vic, providing a space for the show’s LGBTQ+ characters such as Bernadette Taylor, played by Clair Norris, and Tina Carter, played by Luisa Bradshaw-White.
As well as the pub, Walford is also set to get it very own Pride parade, which will take place in July, to coincide with the real-life London LGBTQ+ celebration.
Charity Stonewall have praised EastEnders for the plans, with a spokesperson stating: “It’s been more than 30 years since EastEnders featured the UK’s first on-screen same-sex kiss.
“So it’s great to hear Walford will be celebrating Pride.”
London’s annual Pride event will take place on Saturday, July 6 this year. The EastEnders special is expected to air the evening before.
Earlier this year, EastEnders’ boss Kate Oates revealed that she was hoping to make the BBC soap more diverse.
“I am really interested in bringing some more LGBTQ characters in, and maybe we will have a new precinct for them as well,” she said in January (via the Guardian).
“We are looking at opening a gay bar on the square, which will be a super-cool precinct where gay and straight characters can all just hang out.
“Loads of stories can cross and should just be something really exciting, really fun, really visual.”
