ITV has announced that shooting will continue on 'Coronation Street' and 'Emmerdale' during the coronavirus outbreak but the number of episodes being broadcast will be reduced.
Rovers Return pub in Coronation Street
Both soaps will continue to be made during this global pandemic which is now sweeping through the UK but in order to ensure that they both stay on air the transmission pattern of the programmes has been altered.
'Coronation Street' will be dropping three episodes per week, with every 8.30pm instalment axed, while 'Emmerdale' is losing one episode each week.
'Emmerdale' will now air weeknights at 7pm and Corrie will hit screens at 7.30pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings.
The change will mean the much-loved soaps are able to stay on air until July even if production has to be completely shut down to protect the cast and crew on both series from catching the potentially deadly respiratory illness.
A statement from ITV read: "The continued transmission of both soaps is a priority to all of us at ITV and to our audiences who enjoy the shows. Whilst carefully adhering to the latest health advice from the Government and Public Health England, our production teams are continuing to film episodes in Manchester and Leeds. With this change of transmission pattern it will ensure we have great new soap episodes coming to air every weekday night until at least the early summer.
"With effect from Monday 30 March 'Coronation Street' and Emmerdale's scheduling pattern will be changing due to the coronavirus pandemic. "'Emmerdale' will air Monday to Friday at 7pm and 'Coronation Street' Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7.30pm."
ITV's announcement comes after the BBC made the call to cease production on 'EastEnders' and all other continuous dramas, including 'Holby City' and 'Casualty' due to coronavirus.
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