CORONATION Street’s Melanie Hill says the show will be back at work “soon” after shooting stopped over coronavirus concerns. Production on both Corrie and Emmerdale was stopped from today in the wake of worries about the pandemic. While following the rules, the actress Cathy Matthews told fans that they would be back to filming soon. She wrote: “We just wanted to say we’ll be back at work Shortly. Coronation Street and Emmerdale will remain on the air, as usual, this week, except for Friday. It’ll be three times a week from the 30th onwards.
The spokesperson said to The Sun, “ITV has unfortunately decided to suspend production of the soaps Coronation Street and Emmerdale with effect from Monday 23 March.
“We have been doing our best to continue filming, while adhering to the Government’s latest health guidelines, to ensure that both episodes of soaps are aired on ITV until at least early summer.” However, the health and well-being of the production teams, the actors, the crew and their families is of paramount importance to us, and we now feel that the time has come to a stop filming.
“We would like to thank our audiences for their support and hope that they will continue to enjoy all the soaps in the coming months.” Fans were shocked by the report but applauded ITV for its decision to protect the stars. One said, “The saddest news, but the smart thing to do. Guess I’m going to ration my Coro just like my meals…” Another said, “Thank you very, so, so much for staying as long as you can, but the most important thing for us is everyone’s health and well-being. So proud to support you guys and look forward to the episodes we’re going to have in this awful time.
The third one wrote: “Absolutely the right decision. Thank you for prioritising the health of your cast and crew. Stay safe for everyone.” BBC audiences were also left distraught this week after the dramas that EastEnders, Casualty, Doctors, Holby City, Pobol y Cwm and River City were told will be cancelled in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.