New for old

 I'm slightly surprised that the BBC has proudly shared 'first look' photographs of the new EastEnders set. Part of the eye-watering cost of the £87m-at-last-report project was an insistence that it must look exactly the same as the old set. 

Thus this description of the work on the Queen Vic's windows by suppliers TRC: "Viewers soon to be watching in high definition should be totally unaware that the Queen Vic, for example, will actually be a brand new version of this classic EastEnders pub.

Working closely with the project architects, Jenkins Design Services, TRC custom-built bespoke slim box single glazed heritage sash windows, spring balance heritage sash windows, and single glazed heritage casement windows to replicate the current windows in precise detail.

Here are just a couple of examples of this fine detailing. For instance, we designed a bespoke 63mm reduced slim box, we created 14 different sash horn designs, and we also used 4mm toughened single glass panes – all to match the original windows."

An alternative approach: Create a storyline where landlord Mick Carter/Danny Dyer puts in cheap replacement double glazing, and ends up in a battle with Walford planning officers. Too much like real life, clearly.