EastEnders stars Rob Kazinsky and Rita Simons rugged up between takes while filming in windy Weymouth last night after producers were forced to scrap plans to shoot a series of special episodes in Spain.

The pair, who play onscreen lovers Sean and Roxie, were no doubt dreaming of warmer conditions as they shielded from the chill in blankets near a seaside merry-go-round.

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Cold front: Robert Kazinsky, who plays Sean, and Rita Simons, who stars as Roxie huddle up between takes

Script writers had planned for the Mitchell family to take a summer holiday abroad as part of a dramatic new plot line.

But cost-cutting BBC bosses reportedly axed the idea and the cast and crew travelled to Dorset to shoot scenes instead.

An insider told the Daily Star: "There's been a lot of cost-cutting recently and they couldn't justify taking the Mitchells abroad."

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No sunshine here: the EastEnders cast and crew are shooting in Weymouth after plans to film in Spain were scrapped

Still, the source added: "The Mitchells are the most popular family in soap, so everyone is excited about filming the special episodes which will be shown in July."

The story line will see veteran actor Larry Lamb take on his role as Archie Mitchell, a character that is set to "blow the family apart".

The soap's chief Diederick Santer said: "Archie is a Mitchell through and through."

And cut: Barbara Windsor and Samantha Janus enjoy a laugh in the windy location