Hollyoaks bosses have confirmed filming will be suspended with immediate effect, due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Channel 4 soap already announced it would be reducing its number of weekly episodes, in order to roll out prerecorded episodes over a longer stretch.
A spokeswoman for the Channel 4 soap told The Sun: “After careful consideration Lime Pictures has decided to temporarily suspend recording Hollyoaks from Monday 23rd March.
“It is a decision that has not been taken lightly but looking after our cast and crew is our number one priority.”
She added: “We are planning ahead to make sure Hollyoaks stays on air for as long as possible.
Jorgie will present the new Hollyoaks Favourites series on Thursdays and Fridays (Image: Grant Buchanan / SplashNews.com)
“As we continue to monitor the current situation and follow PHE advice in order to continue filming safely for the time being, we will make changes to the schedule so that from March 30th Hollyoaks episodes will be broadcast Monday to Wednesday on Channel 4 and E4.”
On Thursday and Friday evenings, Channel 4 will air a “Hollyoaks Favourites” special, which will look at some of the most memorable moments from the show over the last 25 years.
Filming of Hollyoaks has been suspended for the foreseeable future (Image: Channel 4)
Kicking things off, Mercedes McQueen’s fourth wedding to Dr Browning will air on Thursday March 26.
The statement released by Channel 4 said it will “give viewers a chance to revisit some of our biggest episodes, from weddings, bust-ups, heartbreaks and some of our biggest and best stunts”.
Hollyoaks legends Kieron Richardson and Jorgie Porter have been roped in to host the nostalgic new series.
Hollyoaks fans were floored last week when Warren Fox was left for dead (Image: E4)
The news comes as ITV made the decision to cancel filming of Coronation Street and Emmerdale for the foreseeable future.
BBC has also cut down on the number of episodes of EastEnders to be aired each week.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
