Will Coronation Street and Emmerdale be cancelled due to Coronavirus? ITV reveal scheduling changes

18 March 2020, 15:08 | Updated: 18 March 2020, 15:47

Emmerdale and Coronation Street could be 'forced down to two episodes a week' due to Coronavirus.

As Coronavirus continues to spread across the UK, reports have surfaced that filming for Coronation Street and Emmerdale will be suspended.

The ITV soaps currently air six times a week, with both filmed weeks in advance.

But now bosses have announced some big changes to scheduling.

So, will Coronation Street and Emmerdale continue to air? Here’s everything we know…

Will Coronation Street and Emmerdale be cancelled due to Coronavirus?

ITV have issued a statement, announcing they would be making some changes, but filming is continuing

Bosses told us: "Whilst carefully adhering to the latest health advice from the Government and Public Health England, our production teams are continuing to film episodes in Manchester and Leeds.

"With this change of transmission pattern it will ensure we have great new soap episodes coming to air every weekday night until at least the early summer."

This means that from Monday 30 March, Emmerdale will air Monday to Friday at 7pm and Coronation Street Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7.30pm.

Read More: Emmerdale and Coronation Street bosses in emergency coronavirus meetings about future of soaps

A statement previously issued by ITV reads: "Our priority is the wellbeing and safety of all our colleagues and everyone who works with us on our shows and across our production.

"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.

Read More: Coronation Street star Alan Halsall goes into self-isolation as bosses warn soap could be rationed

"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.

"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."

So far, 2,626 people have been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the UK.

Many countries have gone on total lockdown - including Italy, Spain and cities in the US.

Read More: Coronation Street star Samia Longchambon says Maria’s miscarriage was based on personal experience as she opens up on heartbreak