Emmerdale ‘only has NINE episodes left until the soap runs out of new content’ amid COVID-19 lockdown
Emmerdale reportedly only has nine episode left until the soap runs out of new content, after the coronavirus lockdown forced the suspension of filming.
A source has claimed the show, which is expected to resume filming next month, will go off air in June.
Last month, ITV boss Kevin Lygo confirmed that Emmerdale will remain on screens until the end of May, while Coronation Street will stay on air until the end of June.
Claims: Emmerdale reportedly has nine episode left until the soap runs out of new content, after the coronavirus lockdown forced the suspension of filming (Mimi Slinger pictured)
Long-running soap blog Eastieoaks tweeted on Friday: ‘There are 9 #Emmerdale episodes remaining at present with the last set to air on 5th June.’
The show – first broadcast in 1972 – recently cut its weekly broadcasts from seven episodes to just three to try and ration content the cast had already filmed.
ITV representatives declined to comment when contacted by MailOnline.
In April, TV executives confirmed Emmerdale and Coronation Street will have just weeks left on air as they begin to run out of filmed episodes.
Uh oh: A source has claimed the show, which is expected to resume filming next month, will go off air in June (Jeff Hordley pictured)
Running out: Long-running soap blog Eastieoaks tweeted on Friday: ‘There are 9 #Emmerdale episodes remaining at present with the last set to air on 5th June
Speaking during an online Q&A at the Edinburgh TV Festival, Kevin revealed that are currently plans for Emmerdale to stay on air until the end of May.
He confirmed that there are plans being put in place so they could resume filming of some capacity once lockdown restrictions are eased.
The soaps is set to resume filming in early June after production was halted amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Sources have confirmed bosses have put together a plan for the cast to return to set next month and film with the use of clever camera angles to ensure stars are adhering to social distancing.
Important: An insider claimed bosses are using Emmerdale as the benchmark for filming while adhering to social distancing, as the soap boasts a large set (pictured)
An insider told The Sun that bosses are using Emmerdale as the benchmark for filming while adhering to social distancing, as the soap boasts a large set.
It’s thought some of the cast will return to production in smaller groups, with scenes filmed with the use of clever camera angles to ensure stars keep at least two metres apart.
A soap insider said: ‘Production is starting up again in June. Emmerdale is being used as the benchmark for safety guidelines as they have a lot of space and it’s the perfect location to put the social distancing measures into practice.
‘Everyone will be adhering to social distancing and scenes will be filmed with smaller groups.
‘The teams will be able to film in certain ways which will minimise distancing. The scripting teams are working on creating storylines with fewer characters.’
BBC bosses, meanwhile, confirmed filming for EastEnders will also resume next month.
Charlotte Moore, the broadcaster’s director of content, said the BBC One soap would be up and running again within weeks, along with Top Gear, with limited crew members and cast asked to do their own hair and makeup.
Exciting: BBC bosses, meanwhile, confirmed filming for EastEnders will also resume next month (Queen Vic pictured)
Charlotte told The Telegraph: ‘We’ve been looking carefully at how we can safely put some of our shows back into production, and I’m pleased to announce that we plan to begin filming again on both EastEnders and Top Gear by the end of June.
‘We’re also exploring ways to restart shooting on dramas and other major BBC shows.’
She added: ‘Of course, we will work within Government guidelines. Crews will be strictly limited. Cast members will do their own hair and make-up. Social distancing will be in place.’