ENDERS EFFECT
DIY SOS: EastEnders Special leaves viewers in tears as soap stars help with incredible transformation
EastEnders' Scott Maslen was touched by the charity founder's emotional story
DIY SOS fans have been left in tears after watching their favourite stars from EastEnders transform a derelict bungalow into an incredible charity base.
Nick Knowles enlisted the help of the BBC soap actors to do up the old caretaker's house for a mental health charity in time for Christmas.
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The charity, called The Butterfly Effect, had no real hub and instead relied on renting out corners in cafes and portacabins.
But thanks to Nick and his volunteers - including EastEnders' Natalie Cassidy, Scott Maslen and Gillian Wright - it now has a brand new home.
Viewers of the BBC One show were left crying after The Butterfly Effect's founder Angie saw her charity's base for the first time.
Choking back tears, Angie - whose mum took her own life - said: "I can't thank everyone enough.
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"It's more than we ever dreamed of."
She added: "There's no way we could have done this. We were just going to lick it a lick of paint and crack on."
Scott, who plays Jack Branning, told Angie: "You've had a terrible situation happen to you and you've turned the situation into this moment, which is incredible."
Writing on X, formerly know as Twitter, one fan admitted: "Got me tearing up!"
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Another added: "Yup, the @DIYSOS#Eastenders Special is really delivering… In tears already - and I’m only 15 mins in…"
And a third wrote: "What amazing cause on a special show diy sos Eastenders. Did make me teary. Butterfly Effect's new place looks amazing love it. Well done everyone!"
DIY SOS's EastEnders Special was filmed as a one-off treat for Christmas.
Zaraah Abrahams and Perry Fenwick also donned builders' hardhats and did their bit to help The Butterfly Effect.
Host Nick was shown at the start of the episode chatting to the Angie, whose mum Chris took her own life following a battle with her mental health.
Once complete, the run-down and damp bungalow had been totally transformed into a fantastic base for the charity members.
Based in Essex, the revamped building has a cafe, a craft room and a relaxation space. The grounds also mean volunteers can hold BBQs and grow their own veg.
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