Emmerdale and Coronation Street could be forced to drop from six episodes per week to just two, according to reports, due to the growing spread of coronavirus.
The ITV soaps currently air six episodes a week – with Emmerdale nightly plus an extra episode on Thursdays, and Coronation Street having two episodes on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
But, according to The Mirror, soap bosses are putting a plan into place in case cast members fall ill with the coronavirus and are unable to work.
The publication reports that one of their options would be to reduce the number of episodes each week to ration out the episodes until the crisis starts to ease off.
Emmerdale could go from nightly episodes to just two per week (Image: ITV)
A source told the paper: “The rationing of episodes is a sensible bet.
“But the bigger problems would come if they can’t get people behind, or in front of the camera to make new ones.
“If that was the case for an extended period they’d simply run out of episodes.
“That is an eventuality no one wants but is something that could happen.”
It’s reported that the coronavirus could have already hit the Coronation Street cast, as one anonymous actor went into self-isolation after returning from holiday earlier this month.
Since then, they have been given the all clear to go back to filming on the soap.
A representative for the soaps previously said: “Our priority is the well being and safety of all our colleagues and everyone who works with us on our shows and across our production.
Coronation Street could be force to ration episodes until after the coronavirus (Image: ITV)
“Clearly, along with everyone across the country, we are in a developing and dynamic situation with respect to the coronavirus, so we’re taking the appropriate steps.
“We’ve looked at our procedures and our established contingency plans and we’re confident that we’re able to continue with our filming schedule.”
The statement continued: “In terms of our colleagues, our aim is to do everything we can to support anyone affected. We’re keeping a close eye on the situation and putting our people first.”
Emmerdale continues tonight at 7pm and Corrie airs at 7.30pm and 8.30pm, both on ITV
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
