If you’re watching a TV ad, a music video or a TV drama which includes an underwater sequence, chances are it was filmed in Basildon.

Indeed, hiding deep in an industrial estate is one of the county’s best kept secrets.

Arguably, Basildon’s best hidden gem, we have an immersive water world especially adapted for films and TV shows to shoot underwater scenes.

Few know of The Underwater Studio, and list of stars who have visited including legend Kylie, Gary Barlow and TV stars.

The studio in Archers Fields, Burnt Mills Industrial Estate, boasts a tank that is 6 metres deep, 12.9 metres long and 9.14 metres wide and holds 150,000 gallons of filtered heated water which is up to 30 degrees. 

It was top of the bill for last month’s Eastenders 35th anniversary special, inspired by a Titanic-type scene with a sinking ship.

Glenn Whatley, who runs from the studio, said lobbing cars and helicopters into the giant tank is all in a day’s work.

He said: “Water is a very dangerous place to film and safety has to be taken very seriously.

“Working in cold water simply isn’t feasible as the human body is quite temperature sensitive.

“That’s why we keep the tank at approximately 38 degrees, about the same as a nice warm bath.

“This ensures the artists and safety divers alike feel comfortable for the several hours normally required to complete a shoot.”

The 54-year-old added: “We are extremely fortunate to work with some of the best in the business.

“Everyone is so professional and approachable, especially the artists, which makes every day a good one.

“Weighted down at the bottom of a deep tank, totally reliant on someone else for air is a frightening place to be even for a seasoned professional.

“So each artist who goes into the water with compressed air has to undertake a full HSE medical and professional training session.

“Safety is our top priority and each artist is assigned their own safety diver.”

Anyone can call for filming to stop at any time and everyone on set will comply.

Boss Glenn added: “We can make it dark and murky like a riverbed or the sea or we can keep it clear as gin for optimum clarity.”

He said technicians can lift and lower sets in the tank to help control the water level in camera shot.

Today, the Basildon waters are ruled by guru Fred Woodcock who draws upon his experience which spans more than 50 years.

Mr Woodcock runs a right ship in keeping the tides safe.

Glenn added: “From throwing cars into the tank for films like Trance with Danny Boyle to people trapped in a shark cage at the bottom of the sea like 47 Metres with Mandy Moore or the EastEnders cast sinking on a party boat, Fred was there to supervise.

“So when you see a TV commercial, a music video or a TV drama that includes an underwater sequence, chances are it was filmed here in Basildon.

“People always ask if we can put fish in the tank,” he joked. “The answer is no, but you can use ducks, swans or dogs on the surface.”

The sites film credits include the Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie, and feature film 47 Metres Uncaged.

But, it’s likely this will be just a small drop in the studio’s extensive ocean.