*dramatic pause*
As the UK begins to introduce social distancing and lockdown measures, TV soaps are now beginning to feel the pinch.
Today, ITV confirmed that long-running soaps 'Corrie' and 'Emmerdale' are to suspend production from tomorrow morning. No restart date was given for either show.
"We've been doing our best to carry on filming, whilst adhering to the Government's latest health guidelines, to ensure we've episodes of both soaps airing on ITV until at least the early summer," the statement from ITV read. "However, the health and well-being of the production teams, actors, crew and their families is of paramount importance to us and we now feel that the time has come to stop filming."
The move comes as 'Home & Away' in Australia announced that it is halting production until further notice. However, that particular soap is filmed so far in advance that it is unlikely the shutdown in production will have any impact on episodes airing.
'Corrie' and 'Emmerdale', however, will run a reduced schedule of episodes for the time being. Starting from Monday March 30th, 'Emmerdale' will air Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7PM. 'Corrie' will air Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7.30PM.