Swifties Flock to Croydon Whitgift for Taylor Swift Opalite Video 2026

Key Points

• Hordes of Taylor Swift fans, known as Swifties, have flocked to the Whitgift shopping centre in Croydon, south London, following a top secret shoot for the singer’s latest music video.
• The video is for the track “Opalite”, featuring a 1990s-themed romantic comedy style.
• Taylor Swift starred alongside Domhnall Gleeson, known from About Time, in the video, which has garnered nearly six million views.
• A key scene shows Swift and Gleeson riding down an escalator before entering a shop where they are greeted by Graham Norton handing out samples of an imaginary Opalite spray.
• Fans have been taking selfies at the now-iconic escalator, turning it into a local pop culture landmark.
• The filming took place in a secretive manner at the Whitgift Centre in Croydon.
• Swifties have been recreating scenes from the video at the shopping centre.

Croydon (South London News) February 11, 2026 – Hordes of Taylor Swift fans have descended upon the Whitgift shopping centre in Croydon after the global superstar conducted a top secret shoot there for her latest music video. Known as Swifties, these devoted followers have turned a specific escalator into a selfie hotspot, eager to recreate moments from the 1990s-themed romantic comedy video for the track “Opalite”, which stars Swift alongside Domhnall Gleeson and features a cameo by Graham Norton. The video has already amassed nearly six million views since its release.

Why Are Taylor Swift Fans Visiting the Whitgift Centre?

The influx of Swifties to the Whitgift shopping centre stems directly from Taylor Swift’s recent “top secret shoot” at the location. As reported in the original coverage by the Evening Standard, hordes of fans have flocked to Croydon following the filming of the “Opalite” music video.

The singer’s fans, who call themselves “Swifties,” headed to the Whitgift in Croydon after the singer shot a 90s-themed Rom Com music video for “Opalite” there.​

This pilgrimage has transformed everyday shoppers into amateur videographers and photographers. Fans have been spotted taking selfies in front of the now iconic escalator, which has become locally recognised as a new pop culture landmark.

The Evening Standard highlighted how one scene in the music video shows Swift and Gleeson travelling down the escalator, before going into a shop where they are greeted by Graham Norton giving out samples of an imaginary Opalite spray.

Who Stars in Taylor Swift’s Opalite Music Video?

Taylor Swift takes centre stage in the “Opalite” video, joined by Irish actor Domhnall Gleeson, famed for his role in the film About Time.

The Shake It Off singer starred alongside Domhnall Gleeson, of About Time fame, in the music video, which has already attracted nearly six million views, as noted by the Evening Standard’s reporting on the event.

Graham Norton makes a surprise appearance, greeting Swift and Gleeson in a shop scene while handing out samples of the fictional Opalite spray. This celebrity cameo has added to the video’s viral appeal, drawing fans to recreate the moment at the Whitgift Centre. No additional cast details emerged from the coverage, keeping the focus on these high-profile names.

What Makes the Opalite Video a 90s Rom Com Throwback?

The “Opalite” music video adopts a deliberate 1990s romantic comedy aesthetic, blending nostalgia with Swift’s signature pop style. The Evening Standard described it as a 90s-themed Rom Com music video for “Opalite”, shot secretly at the Whitgift shopping centre. Elements like the escalator descent and shop interaction evoke classic rom-com tropes, complete with playful product sampling by Graham Norton.

This stylistic choice has resonated strongly with fans, prompting them to flock to Croydon to mimic the scenes. The video’s quick rise to nearly six million views underscores its immediate cultural impact, turning a south London mall into an impromptu tourist site.

Where Exactly Did Taylor Swift Film the Video?

The Whitgift shopping centre in Croydon served as the primary filming location for the “Opalite” video. The singer’s fans… headed to the Whitgift in Croydon after the singer shot a 90s-themed Rom Com music video for “Opalite” there, according to the Evening Standard’s account. The escalator within the centre features prominently, with Swift and Gleeson shown travelling down it before entering a nearby shop.

Local recognition has elevated this spot to pop culture status. Fans of the musician have been spotted taking selfies in front of the now iconic escalator, which has become locally recognised as a new pop culture landmark. No other specific sites within the centre were detailed in reports.

When Did the Secret Shoot Take Place at Whitgift?

Details on the exact date of the top secret shoot remain undisclosed in available coverage, emphasising its clandestine nature. However, the fan response has been immediate, with Swifties flocking to the Whitgift Centre shortly after the video’s release. Hordes of Taylor Swift fans have flocked to a Croydon shopping centre after the superstar filmed her latest video there in a “top secret shoot”, the Evening Standard reported on February 10, 2026.

The video’s rapid accumulation of nearly six million views suggests a recent drop, aligning with the current buzz in Croydon. Ongoing fan visits indicate the phenomenon continues as of February 11, 2026.

How Have Swifties Reacted to the Croydon Filming Location?

Swifties have embraced the Whitgift Centre with enthusiasm, turning it into a recreation zone for the “Opalite” video. Fans have been spotted taking selfies in front of the now iconic escalator, replicating poses from Swift and Gleeson’s escalator scene. This grassroots fandom has created a lively atmosphere at the shopping centre, blending everyday retail with celebrity worship.

The Evening Standard captured the scale: Hordes of Taylor Swift fans have flocked to a Croydon shopping centre. No direct quotes from individual fans were attributed in the source material, but the collective behaviour points to widespread excitement among the singer’s devoted following.

What Is the Cultural Impact on Croydon?

Croydon’s Whitgift Centre has unexpectedly become a pop culture landmark thanks to Taylor Swift’s video. The now iconic escalator draws Swifties seeking selfies and recreations, elevating a routine shopping spot. As reported by the Evening Standard, this has locally recognised the escalator as a new pop culture landmark.

Local businesses may see a boost from the footfall, though no economic data has surfaced yet. The event underscores Swift’s global pull, putting south London on the map for international fans planning visits.

Why Is the Escalator Scene So Iconic?

The escalator sequence stands out as the video’s most mimicked moment. One scene in the music video shows Swift and Gleeson travelling down the escalator, before going into a shop where they are greeted by Graham Norton giving out samples of an imaginary Opalite spray. This simple yet cinematic descent captures rom-com charm, making it perfect for fan selfies.

Its accessibility within the public Whitgift Centre has facilitated recreations. Fans prioritise this spot, as evidenced by their flocking behaviour post-release.

Who Is Domhnall Gleeson and Why Was He Cast?

Domhnall Gleeson, an Irish actor best known for About Time, brings rom-com pedigree to “Opalite”. The Shake It Off singer starred alongside Domhnall Gleeson, of About Time fame, in the music video. His pairing with Swift fits the 90s theme, appealing to nostalgic viewers.

Gleeson’s involvement has heightened the video’s star power, contributing to its six million views. No statements from Gleeson were reported.

What Role Does Graham Norton Play?

Graham Norton appears in a humorous cameo, handing out Opalite spray samples. They are greeted by Graham Norton giving out samples of an imaginary Opalite spray, per the Evening Standard. This light-hearted interaction adds British flair to the video.

Fans recreate this shop scene alongside the escalator, amplifying Norton’s visibility in fan content.

Has the Video Achieved Viral Success?

Yes, “Opalite” has exploded online, nearing six million views rapidly. The music video, which has already attracted nearly six million views, demonstrates Swift’s enduring draw. Fan recreations at Whitgift fuel further shares on social media.

This success mirrors Swift’s history of viral videos, solidifying her fanbase’s loyalty.

What Do Locals Think of the Swiftie Invasion?

No direct local reactions were quoted in the Evening Standard coverage, but the transformation of the escalator into a landmark suggests mixed positivity. Hordes of fans have flocked, implying some disruption amid excitement. Shoppers and staff likely navigate increased crowds.

The secret shoot’s revelation has sparked local pride in Croydon’s selection.

Will More Fans Visit Croydon in Coming Days?

Given the video’s traction and selfie trend, visits seem likely to persist. Swifties continue heading to the Whitgift, with no signs of waning. The site’s public nature ensures ongoing access.

As south London’s spotlight grows, Croydon could see sustained tourism.

Background on Taylor Swift’s UK Connections

Swift has deep UK ties, including past tours and appearances. This Croydon shoot adds to her London lore, from Wembley Stadium shows to secret projects. Her choice of Whitgift highlights everyday venues’ appeal.

The “Opalite” video fits her evolving aesthetic, blending pop with cinematic storytelling.