DIY SOS EastEnders special: Soap stars help Nick Knowles’ massive makeover project – while fans were left baffled by some Walford residents: ‘I have no idea who they are!’

EastEnders stars joined Nick Knowles’ massive makeover project for DIY SOS’ Christmas special on Monday.

Natalie Cassidy (who plays Sonia Fowler) pulled her weight alongside Perry Fenwick (Billy Mitchell) Gillian Wright (Jean Slater) and Colin Salmon (George Knight)

In the latest episode, the team helped transform Butterfly Effect Well-Being’s Essex hub in time for Christmas.

The charity, which helps bereaved families, was based in a portacabin before a new building, donated to them in disrepair, was transformed thanks to the BBC show.

However, many fans were left confused by which soap stars were helping with the project as they struggled to pick them out from the crowd.

But many fans were left confused by which soap stars were helping with the project as they struggled to pick them out from the crowd

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With a second joke: ‘Wait, who from EastEnders is helping with this? The show’s carpenters…’

While even more eagle-eyed fans cheered: “Nice to see Gillian Wright / Jean Slater.”

And someone else said: ‘Zaraah Abarahams (who plays Chelsea Fox) good to see you!’.

Butterfly Effect Well-Being is a non-profit community project to bring people together and improve mental health.

DIY SOS is calling on members of the public and local trades to help transform the homes and buildings of both families and small businesses across Britain.

For this project, the EastEnders team were keen to help, but it is not clear whether the cast has a personal connection to the project.

The DIY SOS: EastEnders special follows the Strictly special which aired in August.

Natalie Cassidy (who plays Sonia Fowler) pulled her weight alongside Perry Fenwick, pictured (Billy Mitchell), Gillian Wright (Jean Slater) and Colin Salmon (George Knight)

A number of famous faces seemed to get lost among the huge team of helpers

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As more eagle-eyed fans gushed: ‘Nice to see Gillian Wright/Jean Slater’

Saw the episode Nick works with Anton Du Beke and dancers Katya Jones, Luba Mushtuk, Graziano Di Prima and Nancy Xu.

The Strictly stars swapped the dance floor for a building site to bring some sparkle to a Performing Arts School in Wallsend, North Tyneside.

Nick and the Strictly stars were tasked with transforming a derelict old boys’ club into a creative home for True Colours, a charity that welcomes all children and young adults, regardless of their ability, and gives them the space to express themselves .

They had just six days to transform the dark and dingy space, which was spread over two levels and had a graffiti-filled concrete garden outside.

In the latest episode, the team helped transform Butterfly Effect Well-Being’s Essex hub in time for Christmas (Gillian Wright pictured right)

The charity, which helps bereaved families, was based in a portacabin before a new building, donated to them in disrepair, was transformed thanks to the BBC show (Colin Salmon pictured with the show’s interior designer Gaby Blackman)

(L-R) Scott Maslan, Gillian Wright, Zaraah Abrahams and Perry Fenwick

Anton said he and his fellow dancers were “excited” to get involved in helping such an amazing community.

He said: “Myself, Katya and Graziano understand the power of dance and how it brings people together.

“This could really transform not only the building, but the community. We’re happy to help and add some Strictly magic to the proceedings. And who knows, we might see a future Strictly star in our midst!’.

Nick added that he hopes the Strictly professionals have been able to ‘inspire’ the Performing Arts School.

He said: ‘We’re back, and what a way to kick off the Big Build with a brilliant group of Strictly stars who will inspire and delight the children, young adults and employees of True Colors.

‘This Performing Arts School really needs a transformation. They are doing a great job in Wallsend and if we can help them grow so they can accept more students then we will go above and beyond.”