Why would anyone want to stand on a street for nine hours on their day off?

Well, if you are a super-fan of one of Britain’s longest running soaps, the answer seems obvious.

Although Eastenders is set in London it is filmed right here in Borehamwood, at the BBC Elstree Studios on Shenley Road.

Millions of people tune in each week to find out what the residents of Albert Square are up to, but a hand few go as far to come down to wait to meet their favourite stars.

On Tuesday, August 22, you would never know that the people waiting outside the studio gates had been waiting all day, as they were still so excited to be there.

Among those waiting were twins Shafia and Rukia Rahman, 34, who had made the trek from Romford several times before.

By 6pm they had not been able to flag anyone down but they and the rest of the group were still buzzing with anticipation that they may be able to meet some of the cast.

Shafia said: “It’s so exciting, and it’s not like we live here, we don’t see them walking around the high street

“There was a meet and greet last year to raise money for a crew member that needed cancer treatment in Germany.

“The tickets were expensive as it was £225 each, but it was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and we had an amazing time.”

Rukia said: “The thing I love about the show is the actors, we have watched the show from the beginning

It’s upsetting when some of the actors don’t stop. We come here on our days off because we love the show.

It feels like they don’t care about the fans, but on a show like this, fans are really important.”

It’s a special day for the sisters, not just because of who they hope to meet, but because yesterday Shafia completed her chemotherapy treatment for the malignant phyllodes tumour.

While fighting cancer, neither she nor her sister made the visit to the studios, but as Shafia finished her treatment, they decided to go out and celebrate.

They don’t think much of the fake cancer story, and an hour later, their patience paid off, as stars happily stopped for photos with them.

Shafia said: “Shona McGarty who plays Whitney Carter took selfies and posed photographs next to her, she was so lovely and so sweet and she even remembered me and my twin sister from the last time we met her.

Gillian Taylforth (Kathy Beale) came out and everyone took pictures with Gillian next to her in her car. She is an Eastenders legend and icon, and everyone loved how down to earth she is.

And lastly Danny Dyer actually stopped and got out of his car to greet the fans. He gave so much of his time to his fans, and there were a lot of us that day.

“Danny was so kind and signed loads of autographs, video messages to other fans of his, and giving his love and hugs to his fans. Danny Dyer is the most loving, genuine and kindest man ever to his fans and he adores and loves his fans so much.

“We had the best day ever.”