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Anita Dobson Says East London Is ‘Unrecognisable,’ Laments Loss of Community

Her remarks follow a nostalgic drive through Stepney highlighting demographic and commercial change.

Overview

  • The 76-year-old told the Telegraph the East End felt “completely unrecognisable,” saying Brick Lane was not as she remembered it.
  • She described the area as far more cosmopolitan with “many, many more different races and colours and accents and voices” and more religions.
  • Dobson said the neighbourhood has lost a sense of community, recalling neighbours caring for children and a key on a string left through the letterbox.
  • She contrasted today with the Kray-era “code” she remembers, claiming women and children were kept out of fights.
  • The Daily Mail reported she asked her driver to pass through her old streets during a recent visit; she has lived in Surrey since leaving London in 2021.