Inside Gossip
The stars have headed home – but the shows remain on air…
The fight-back against the coronavirus continues for our favourite soaps, with more developments surrounding filming and broadcasting schedules.
This latest move helps ensure that the shows stand an even better chance of staying on air for as long as possible, while the soaps’ cast and crews take refuge in the safety of their own homes – as per the new guidelines set out by prime minister Boris Johnson.
ITV LEAVES THE BUILDING
It’s with a heavy heart that Corrie and Emmerdale have halted production, after previously announcing that they would be trying to carry on.
“We’ve been doing our best to continue, while adhering to the government’s latest health guidelines, to ensure we have episodes of both soaps airing on ITV until at least the early summer,” says a spokesperson. “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. We’d like to thank our viewers for their support.” Stars including Chris Gascoyne (Peter) were snapped leaving the Corrie stuios after the announcement, while Alex Mardell (Emma) posted a pic of her on the empty Street set. “Miss you already! See you soon!” she wrote. Meanwhile, Emmerdale, which was to trim back to five episodes a week, now airs just three, in line with Corrie, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
CHESTER PAUSES
Hollyoaks is also slowing things down – now transmitting twice a week – although the stars stay upbeat.
“We are all certain that we are going to be back, bigger and better than ever,” says actress Jessamy Stoddart, who plays Liberty. “The building might be closed, but there’ll be brilliant content still coming out. Hopefully it will be like nothing has changed.” Meanwhile,
Ruby O’donnell (Peri) took a final-for-now snap on set.
“We’ll be back!” she exclaimed.
OVER IN OZ…
Home and Away has suspended filming, having already taken measures by carrying out rehearsals via video. Remarkably, Neighbours is soldiering on with filming after “a short pause, to ensure the production model in place could withstand any potential impact of the current situation”, according to a spokesperson. Meanwhile, in the UK, both shows will now air twice a week on Channel 5, on Mondays and Fridays.
RATINGS WINS!
On the flipside, the soaps are pulling in substantially bigger audiences! For example, since the country was urged to stay home, Eastenders’ ratings have soared to over seven million viewers – the highest for more than two years. Although filming is temporarily on hold, the bosses aren’t resting on their laurels… “Thank you all for your support,” says the Square’s executive producer, Jon Sen. “We’re all still working hard behind the scenes planning stories for when we return.” Hooray! Go, team!