The Torch Relay route will travel through Albert Square on July 23, 2012, passing iconic landmarks such as the market, the launderette and The Queen Vic as it makes its way through London to the Olympic Stadium for the Opening Ceremony on July 27.

It was announced earlier this year that the Royal Mail had allocated the postcode E20 to the new Olympic Park, the address of the fictitious Walford, which has been home to Den and Angie, the Mitchell brothers and their mother Peggy - played by Barbara Windsor - and Ian Beale. 

The programme has largely ignored the fact that the Olympics and Paralympics are coming to their manor since London was awarded the Games by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) at its Session in Singapore in July 2005.

EastEnders viewers, though, have already seen characters Fat Boy and Billy Mitchell discover they have been nominated as Torchbearers.

In tonight's episode - due to be transmitted on BBC One at 7.30pm - regulars in The Queen Vic - the centre of the soap - will find out that the Olympic Flame will be passing through Walford and Billy will discover he has been chosen as the one on screen in December.

On July 23, 2012, EastEnders will feature live footage of Billy, a devoted West Ham United fan, carrying the Olympic Flame while being cheered on by the famous residents of Albert Square.

Although the episode will be largely filmed in advance several minutes of the Olympic procession will be beamed direct to television screens around the UK live from the Elstree set.

Last week London 2012 announced 1,018 communities that the Olympic Flame will be passing through carried by Torchbearers during the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay.

"Today's announcement is a great addition to the Olympic Torch Relay Route," said Sebastian Coe, the chairman of London 2012.

"I'm sure the people of Walford will now start planning their celebrations to welcome the Flame to Albert Square.

"Along with people right round the UK, the residents of Albert Square will be getting involved to make this their moment to shine."

Perry Fenwick, the actor behind Billy Mitchell, has been playing the role since November 1998.

In the soap, Mitchell's parents left him in a children's home, where he was physically abused by the staff.

He is regarded as one of the more unlucky characters in the programme - his wife has left him taking their daugther, who has Down's syndrome, with her and in a recent storyline he has been stealing the post - but is delighted that his luck has taken an upturn thanks to the Olympics.

 "When we first discussed the storyline, my initial thought was that I'll now have to get fit!" said Fenwick.

"While this may be a fictional one off for Billy Mitchell, it's a real once in a lifetime opportunity for me and I am thrilled that Walford and Albert Square will be part of this amazing event."

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