Coronation Street is in the ‘final stages of a return-to-production protocol’

Coronation Street is in the final stages of a ‘return-to-production protocol’ after filming was suspended to follow COVID-19 regulations. 

A spokesperson for the hit ITV1 soap exclusively told MailOnline they are in ‘active discussions with the government’ and are working with ‘others across the industry’ to return. 

The British television industry was left at a standstill in March after all filming was suspended to follow regulations amid the coronavirus crisis.

‘Final stages’: Coronation Street has confirmed that it is in the final stages of a ‘return-to-production protocol’ after filming was suspended to follow COVID-19 regulations

Ministers hinted on Tuesday night that production can start again as long as cast members and crew follow social distancing rules on set.  

A Coronation Street representative exclusively told MailOnline: ‘ITV is in the final stages of working with others across the industry on a return-to-production protocol and we are in active discussions with Government on this. 

‘We will share further updates in due course.’ 

'Active discussions': The hit ITV soap exclusively told MailOnline that it is in 'active discussions with the government' and is working with 'others across the industry' to return

‘Active discussions’: The hit ITV soap exclusively told MailOnline that it is in ‘active discussions with the government’ and is working with ‘others across the industry’ to return

Key work? Prime Minister Boris Johnson encouraged some sectors to head back to work earlier this week in a tentative three-stage 'exit plan', if working from home cannot be done. By this definition, this would include being on film sets

Key work? Prime Minister Boris Johnson encouraged some sectors to head back to work earlier this week in a tentative three-stage ‘exit plan’, if working from home cannot be done. By this definition, this would include being on film sets

Prime Minister Boris Johnson encouraged some sectors to head back to work earlier this week in a tentative three-stage ‘exit plan’, if working from home cannot be done. By this definition, this would include being on film sets.  

While a spokesman for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport told Screen Daily: ‘The Government is working closely with the screen sector to understand how different types of productions can comply with social distancing guidelines, and give confidence to people in the TV and film industries that there are safe ways in which they can return to work.’

It has since been claimed that BBC shows such as Peaky Blinders and Line of Duty will return to filming but have to adhere to social distancing regulations.   

MailOnline has investigated how British soaps and entertainment series will return to filming after lockdown.

Coronation Street

Coronation Street has confirmed that it is in the final stages of a ‘return-to-production protocol’ after filming was suspended to follow COVID-19 regulations. 

A representative exclusively told MailOnline: ‘ITV is in the final stages of working with others across the industry on a return-to-production protocol and we are in active discussions with Government on this. 

‘We will share further updates in due course.’ 

The hit ITV soap suspended filming in March to following lockdown and social distancing regulations amid the coronavirus crisis.   

Filming: Coronation Street has confirmed that it is in the final stages of a 'return-to-production protocol' after filming was suspended to follow COVID-19 regulations

Filming: Coronation Street has confirmed that it is in the final stages of a ‘return-to-production protocol’ after filming was suspended to follow COVID-19 regulations  

The statement said at the time: ‘ITV has sadly taken the decision to suspend production of the soaps Coronation Street and Emmerdale with effect from Monday March 23.

‘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.

‘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 and hope they continue to enjoy both soaps in the coming months.’

Scaled back: The ITV soap confirmed in March they only had enough episodes to last until the 'early summer' with weekly episodes scaled back from seven to three (Barbara Knox pictured on the soap in 2017)

Scaled back: The ITV soap confirmed in March they only had enough episodes to last until the ‘early summer’ with weekly episodes scaled back from seven to three (Barbara Knox pictured on the soap in 2017) 

As such, the ITV soap confirmed they only had enough episodes to last until the ‘early summer’ with weekly episodes scaled back from seven to three.

It has also been claimed that older soap stars could be banned from set with storylines focusing on younger cast members.

Beloved Coronation Street stars Bill Roache, 88, Barbara Knox, 86, David Neilson, 71, and Sue Nicholls, 76, could be told not to return as it’s ‘too risky’.   

ITV boss Kevin Lygo recently confirmed that it’s likely older cast members on Coronation Street and Emmerdale won’t return to set for sometime, saying; ‘I don’t want Ken Barlow to get sick.’

Emmerdale 

Emmerdale announced in March that filming has been suspended to adhere to social distancing and government regulations amid the coronavirus crisis. 

A representative declined to comment to MailOnline about what plans are in place for the ITV soap to return to filming and how social distancing measures will be followed on set. 

ITV boss Kevin Lygo previously said the soap will remain on screens until the end of May and it’s likely older cast members won’t return to set for sometime, this could include Eric Pollard actor Chris Chittell, 71. 

Suspended: Emmerdale announced in March that filming has been suspended to adhere to social distancing and government regulations amid the coronavirus crisis

Suspended: Emmerdale announced in March that filming has been suspended to adhere to social distancing and government regulations amid the coronavirus crisis

Adapted: ITV boss Kevin Lygo confirmed that the soap will be 'adapting' its pre-written scripts to factor in the COVID-19 crisis, he said: 'They're being incredibly inventive and creative about re-jigging storylines.' (Eric Pollard actor Chris Chittell, 71, pictured right)

Adapted: ITV boss Kevin Lygo confirmed that the soap will be ‘adapting’ its pre-written scripts to factor in the COVID-19 crisis, he said: ‘They’re being incredibly inventive and creative about re-jigging storylines.’ (Eric Pollard actor Chris Chittell, 71, pictured right) 

Like Coronation Street, Emmerdale has scaled back its episodes from seven to three.

Lygo also confirmed that the soap will be ‘adapting’ its pre-written scripts to factor in the COVID-19 crisis, he said: ‘They’re being incredibly inventive and creative about re-jigging storylines.

‘Obviously lots of scripts were written for this period of filming, but they’re adapting some. I think we’ve got to accept there’ll be more “two people talking in a room” type stuff.’

While Broadcast magazine claimed that the ITV soap could be making amendments to sets in a bid to adhere to social distancing with ‘one-way systems’ and ‘perspex screens’ during editing. 

EastEnders   

EastEnders has reportedly set June as the benchmark for a return to filming with ‘strict social distancing and extra precautions on set’.

A BBC representative declined to comment to MailOnline about what plans are in place for the soap’s return to filming and how social distancing measures will be followed on set. 

A source recently told The Sun: ‘Filming will have to resume at some point and bosses say June is the benchmark. With strict social distancing and extra precautions on set they think EastEnders could make the transition.

Back in June? EastEnders has reportedly set June as the benchmark for a return to filming with 'strict social distancing and extra precautions on set'

Back in June? EastEnders has reportedly set June as the benchmark for a return to filming with ‘strict social distancing and extra precautions on set’ 

Current pub: The old pub featured a deep red paneling around the building with gold detailing and lettering, it is currently unclear whether the watering hole will be exactly the same or undergo a revamp

Before: Only recently, the new Queen Vic pub was finally revealed as the revamped £87million set continues its construction while the cast and crew are on break (the original Queen Vic pub pictured) 

‘But they appreciate the health and safety of the cast and crew is paramount and should the lockdown restrictions be tightened, filming will, of course, not take place.’

The insider added that the soap’s bosses have said that if filming can ‘resume safely’, then it will ‘go ahead’. 

EastEnders has cut back on their broadcasting, scaling back to just two episodes a week in a bid to ‘ration’ their filmed content. 

Only recently, the new Queen Vic pub was finally revealed as the revamped £87million set continues its construction while the cast and crew are on break. 

The extensive project, which has been built next door to the original set, appeared to be almost ready in new images revealed last Tuesday, as work on the project carries on amid the coronavirus pandemic. 

Hollyoaks 

Hollyoaks announced in March that filming has been suspended to adhere to social distancing and government regulations amid the coronavirus crisis. 

MailOnline has contacted representatives for comment as to when filming will resume.  

The Channel 4 soap is said to have enough episodes to last until the end of July and has scaled back its weekly shows from five to just two. 

Director of programming for Channel 4, Ian Katz, said: ‘The coronavirus outbreak is an enormous creative challenge for all broadcasters and though it is having a profound impact on getting some of our productions onto screen, when public service broadcasters like Channel 4 can step up and help people navigate through the extraordinary challenges we all now face.’

Social distancing: Hollyoaks announced in March that filming has been suspended to adhere to social distancing and government regulations amid the coronavirus crisis

Social distancing: Hollyoaks announced in March that filming has been suspended to adhere to social distancing and government regulations amid the coronavirus crisis

While a soap representative added: ‘Dear Hollyoaks viewers. It is with a heavy heart that we have made the decision to pause filming of Hollyoaks. From Monday 30th March, we will be reducing the number of our weekly new episodes from five down to three, which will air Monday to Wednesday. 

‘To make sure we stay on air every week night, fans can look forward to extra special episodes every Thursday and Friday on E4. We will remain as present as ever on our social platforms so please keep in touch with us here, stay safe and take care of yourselves. Thank you for your ongoing support.’

They continued: ‘We begin a brand new series of “Hollyoaks Favourites”. Introduced by Kieron Richardson and Jorgie Porter, this series 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.’

BBC dramas: Peaky Blinders and Line Of Duty 

It was claimed on Wednesday that Peaky Blinders and Line Of Duty will be returning to filming as long as cast members adhere to social distancing regulations.

Cast and crew of the two shows will have to ‘maintain a two-metre distance from others, and wash their hands regularly’, reports The Sun.  

Peaky Blinders, which sees Cillian Murphy and Helen McCrory as its leads and follows a Birmingham crime gang in the 1920s, were yet to start filming series six. 

Hooray! It was claimed on Wednesday that Peaky Blinders and Line Of Duty will be returning to filming as long as cast members adhere to social distancing regulations (Cillian Murphy pictured in Peaky Blinders still)

Hooray! It was claimed on Wednesday that Peaky Blinders and Line Of Duty will be returning to filming as long as cast members adhere to social distancing regulations (Cillian Murphy pictured in Peaky Blinders still) 

Back to it: While Line Of Duty, which sees Adrian Dunbar, Vicky McClure and Martin Compston (L-R) as its leads in the British police drama, suspended its filming in Belfast for season six in March to adhere to the COVID-19 regulations

Back to it: While Line Of Duty, which sees Adrian Dunbar, Vicky McClure and Martin Compston (L-R) as its leads in the British police drama, suspended its filming in Belfast for season six in March to adhere to the COVID-19 regulations  

While Line Of Duty, which sees Martin Compston, Vicky McClure and Adrian Dunbar as its leads in the British police drama, suspended its filming in Belfast for season six in March to adhere to the COVID-19 regulations.

A BBC spokesperson said at the time: ‘In light of the spread of Covid-19, after much consideration, the producers Caryn Mandabach Productions and Tiger Aspect Productions of Peaky Blinders Series 6 have postponed filming, and World Productions on Line of Duty Series 6 have suspended filming, both in consultation with and supported by the BBC.

‘We will continue to review all productions on a case-by-case basis and will continue to follow the latest news and advice from the Foreign Office, World Health Organisation and Public Health England.’ 

ITV entertainment shows: Love Island, I’m A Celebrity and Dancing On Ice

Love Island 

Love Island has been cancelled this summer but ITV bosses are said to be considering reviving the show for the autumn and filming in the Canary Islands. 

Kevin Lygo, Director of Television at ITV, said: ‘We have tried every which way to make Love Island this summer but logistically it’s just not possible to produce it in a way that safeguards the wellbeing of everyone involved and that for us is the priority.

‘In normal circumstances we would be preparing very soon to travel out to the location in Mallorca to get the villa ready but clearly that’s now out of the question.

CANCELLED: Love Island has been cancelled this summer but ITV bosses are said to be considering reviving the show for the autumn and filming in the Canary Islands (host Laura Whitmore pictured)

CANCELLED: Love Island has been cancelled this summer but ITV bosses are said to be considering reviving the show for the autumn and filming in the Canary Islands (host Laura Whitmore pictured) 

‘We are very sorry for fans of the show but making it safely is our prime concern and Love Island will be back stronger than ever in 2021. In the meantime Love Island fans can still enjoy all six series of Love Island on BritBox.’

Host Laura Whitmore weighed in on the cancellation, saying it was the right decision.

She tweeted: ‘Like with a lot of things because of restrictions with travel, social distancing and unable to plan ahead, Love Island is postponed until 2021.

‘Great news is that there have been more applications then any other series! Next year is going to be BIG. Stay safe.’

I’m A Celebrity 

I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! is reportedly set to still go ahead later this year, despite the coronavirus pandemic.  

Sources tell The Sun that show bosses are ‘holding virtual talks’ to plan for the show’s return, as they anticipate a huge response from viewers following the crisis.

A TV source told the paper: ‘ITV are certain lockdown will be well over by the time I’m A Celeb normally starts which is in November.

I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! is reportedly set to still go ahead later this year, despite the coronavirus pandemic (hosts Ant and Dec pictured)

I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! is reportedly set to still go ahead later this year, despite the coronavirus pandemic (hosts Ant and Dec pictured) 

‘Every year it’s a ratings smash and this year will more than likely be even bigger as the public will be desperate for some fresh and uplifting TV.’

Insiders added that ITV has already started ‘hiring and advertising for crew’ in Australia, where I’m A Celebrity is filmed each year, and meetings are being held virtually to discuss potential celebrity campmates. 

A representative declined to comment when approached by MailOnline.  

Dancing On Ice 

Dancing On Ice is reportedly working on a special programme to ‘fill the gap’ should they be forced to cancel this year’s series amid the ongoing pandemic.  

As reported in The Sun, both Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield are on board with the programme that will feature ‘lockdown episodes’ filmed by some favourite celebs over the years.

A source told the publication: ‘Obviously no-one knows when lockdown measures and social distancing will be fully eased – but DOI has become a fixture in the winter TV schedules. 

Measures: Dancing On Ice is reportedly working on a special programme to 'fill the gap' should they be forced to cancel this year's series amid the ongoing pandemic (hosts Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby pictured)

Measures: Dancing On Ice is reportedly working on a special programme to ‘fill the gap’ should they be forced to cancel this year’s series amid the ongoing pandemic (hosts Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby pictured) 

‘It’s be a hammer blow for ITV to lose it. As such, they’ve filmed some lockdown episodes – working title: Dancing On Ice Specials – to fill that gap, should the live programmes become untenable.’

The source also revealed judges Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean will be part of the series looking back at their time on the show with never seen before footage.

They continued: ‘The hope is that these can be screened on ITV2 as a spin-off if the main series is able to go ahead – but execs don’t want to take any chances.’

MailOnline has contacted representatives for comment.  

Strictly Come Dancing 

It was reported that Strictly Come Dancing could be postponed until next year and broadcast without an audience over social distancing fears.

Yet a BBC representative told MailOnline: ‘We will continue to review all productions on a case by case basis and will continue to follow the latest news and advice from the Foreign Office, World Health Organisation and Public Health England.’ 

It Takes Two host Zoe Ball is convinced the competition series will air this year. Despite plans still being up in the air, the presenter, 49, has insisted producers will do whatever it takes to get the BBC favourite to return to screens in the coming months. 

‘I spoke to some people and they will do anything and everything to make sure that show goes on’, the TV and radio star shared. The media personality told The Sun: ‘We are in tough times with the Coronavirus but where there is a will, there is away. I feel like they will come through.

A BBC representative told MailOnline: 'We will continue to review all productions on a case by case basis and will continue to follow the latest news and advice from the Foreign Office, World Health Organisation and Public Health England.' (Strictly Come Dancing judges pictured)

A BBC representative told MailOnline: ‘We will continue to review all productions on a case by case basis and will continue to follow the latest news and advice from the Foreign Office, World Health Organisation and Public Health England.’ (Strictly Come Dancing judges pictured) 

‘Whatever happens with the situation I know that they are going to put that show on somehow. It might not have a studio audience, it might be slightly different.’

Earlier this week, sources claimed Strictly may go ahead this autumn without its usual studio audience cheering on the performers. 

Comparing the series to RuPaul’s Drag Race during a virtual production meeting, BBC’s director of content Charlotte Moore said: ‘People think if it is a shiny floor it needs an audience and I don’t think that’s necessarily true.’

The Strictly set-up has included a live audience since the show first aired back in 2004, when it was fronted by Tess Daly and Bruce Forsyth, who retired from the show and was replaced by Claudia Winkleman from 2014.

Bosses are reportedly offering doubled fees to celebrities as they continue to assess show contingency plans amid the global crisis. Sources claimed TV executives are keen for the series ‘to remain the jewel in the BBC’s crown’ and have already put forward contract proposals in a bid to attract a ‘stellar line-up’.