'Jamie & Jimmy's Friday Night Feast' has been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Jamie Oliver

Jamie Oliver

The Channel 4 series - which sees TV chef Jamie Oliver and farmer Jimmy Doherty joined by a different celebrity guest in their pop-up bistro on Southend Pier for each episode - is unable to be filmed at the small location due to the ongoing social distancing rules.

While they tried their best to make it work, the well-being and safety of the crew and guests was their "utmost priority", and so they are delaying the eighth instalment for the time being.

A spokeswoman for the channel told The Sun newspaper's Bizarre TV column: "The series has been postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic."

The pair decided it was "nigh-on impossible" to safely film the show at the tiny restaurant and have celebrities there, but they are hopeful the programme will return once things "settle down".

A source explained that: "Channel 4 really wanted to get the show on air as it's popular with viewers and frankly everyone is craving some new telly right now.

"But they had to make a decision with the health and wellbeing of those involved in making the show their utmost priority.

"It would be nigh-on impossible to get celebrities in as guests safely too. It would be a real health and safety nightmare. So the new series is postponed for now and hopefully when things settle down they can revisit it with Jimmy and Jamie."

Since hitting screens back in 2014, the likes of Spice Girl Mel B, 'Rocketman' actor Taron Egerton, 'Strictly Come Dancing' presenter Claudia Winkleman, and the legendary Mary Berry have joined the pair at their bistro to cook up a storm and chat about their love of food and their favourite meals, as well as being grilled with questions from diners.