The UK is bracing for a series of heightened Coronavirus regulations, after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a third national lockdown with every area of the country going into Tier 4.
People have been told to stay at home where possible, and will only be allowed to leave for limited exemptions such as for medical reasons.
Soap fans will be worried about the impact it will have on soaps like EastEnders and Coronation Street. But while it’s yet to be confirmed, there are encouraging signs fans can take from last year’s lockdown.
Production staff on EastEnders and Coronation Street showed incredible determination to keep both shows on the air during 2020, and things could be the same this year.
As things stand, TV shows are allowed to film in Tier 4. It is therefore likely the soaps will go ahead as planned – although crew members and actors will still have to adhere to strict protocols and social distancing measures on set.
Soaps are likely to make announcements in the coming days after going over the new rules and guidance.
In the meantime, Metro.co.uk has reached out to both EastEnders and Coronation Street for official comment following the Prime Minister’s announcement.
BBC soap EastEnders was forced to shut down production amid the pandemic back in March, and weekly episodes were then reduced from four to two to ensure it remained on the air for as long as possible.
The show managed to continue producing new episodes, despite the fact a First Assistant Director was sacked from EastEnders after presenting with coronavirus symptoms and keeping it quiet while still attending work back in October.
Filming on ITV’s Coronation Street was also disrupted back in September when an actor tested positive for the virus.
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