As EastEnders fans across the UK gear up for the soap’s 40th anniversary blockbuster, we’re taking a look back at our own moment in the spotlight!

In March 2024, the Rainbow Centre played a key role in one of the show’s gripping storylines. During Zack and Whitney’s trip to Milton Keynes, Whitney’s mission to rescue a neglected child led them to a community centre—none other than our very own Rainbow Centre, rebranded on screen as the fictional McDine Community Centre. Several pivotal scenes were filmed in and around the Centre, showcasing our space to millions of viewers.

A Familiar Filming Location

This wasn’t the first time EastEnders set up camp in our neighbourhood. With BBC Studios in Borehamwood just a stone’s throw away, the Dollis Valley estate has become a regular backdrop for the show’s grittier urban storylines. Whether that’s a dramatic confrontation or a tense exchange, our area often provides the perfect setting.

And it’s not just the location that connects us to Albert Square—several members of the EastEnders cast have even attended our Mixed Martial Arts sessions over the years!

Community at the Heart of the Story

While it’s always exciting to see the Rainbow Centre on national television, what matters most is the real-world impact we have on our Barnet community every day. Whether it’s sports, social events, or support services, we’re proud to be a space where people can come together.

If you spotted us on EastEnders, let us know! And if you haven’t visited yet, why not drop by and see what’s happening at the real-life Rainbow Centre?