EastEnders has introduced a new giant mural of a black woman as part of the Walford scenery.

The art piece - from British-born Ghanaian artist Dreph - measures 5 metres by 2 metres and has been painted on to the side of the Beales' house on Bridge Street, directly opposite the Queen Vic.

The mural was created during lockdown and will be first seen in new episodes of the soap being filmed from today that will air in September.

"The opportunity to have my art work on the set as a permanent feature, having the same impact as my work has on the streets of London, was a really exciting opportunity," said Dreph, whose 2017 work You Are Enough saw him create a number of murals of black women around London.

"I remember watching the very first EastEnders episode 3 decades ago, so I was really surprised to hear from the team!

"I'm so pleased that EastEnders has found a way to reflect modern day UK in a time when so many of us are finding ways to voice anti-racism and I'm so happy that my work will become the backdrop to future storylines in the show."

EastEnders' executive producer Jon Sen said: "Dreph's mural is an exciting and timely addition to the show that reflects events taking place in the real world.

"Anti-racism is something that the cast, crew and producers care passionately about at EastEnders and the show is well known for tackling social issues and celebrating diversity and inclusivity through its characters and storylines."

Earlier this month the BBC soap dropped off air for the first time in its 35-year history due to the coronavirus pandemic but is expected to return to the schedules in early September.