Broadcasters have detailed how they’re gearing up to restart the UK’s TV industry once the coronavirus lockdown is lifted.
In a 15-page plan, networks such as Sky, the BBC, ITV, ITN, Channel 4 and Channel 5, have explained how they’ll get the cameras rolling in the near future, with sets enforcing rules such as bringing your own cutlery to work, banning extras, encouraging indoor production and minimal make-up assistance.
Soaps
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.’
Sources have since claimed 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.
The hit ITV soap suspended filming in March to following lockdown and social distancing regulations amid the coronavirus crisis.
Filming: Sources have claimed bosses have put together a plan for the cast to return to set next month with the use of clever camera angles to ensure stars are adhering to social distancing (Ian Bartholomew and Shelley King pictured)
EastEnders
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.
Builders were pictured getting to work on the new £87million EastEnders set in Elstree Studios, London last week.
Controller of BBC drama Piers Wenger previously said the broadcaster hoped to resume filming on soaps ‘as soon as possible’.
He pointed to the example of Australian soap Neighbours, which has resumed filming but with social distancing rules in place and other limitations, including banning kissing on set.
Under construction: Builders were pictured getting to work on the new £87million EastEnders set in Elstree Studios, London last week
Hollyoaks
There’s no news on when production for the Channel 4 soap will return as of yet, but the series 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.’
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.
Social distancing: Hollyoaks announced in March that filming has been suspended to adhere to social distancing and government regulations amid the coronavirus crisis
BBC Dramas
Peaky Blinders and Line Of Duty
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.
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.
Back to work? 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
Back to it: Line Of Duty sees Adrian Dunbar, Vicky McClure and Martin Compston (L-R) as its leads in the British police drama
Entertainment Shows
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)
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)
Dancing On Ice
Dancing On Ice producers are powering through with plans for the 2021 series, reportedly with a mega budget lining the show’s coffers.
Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it seems ITV aren’t worried about production going ahead come January next year, and they have their sights set on a slew of big stars to take to the rink.
A source told The Sun: ‘It’s full steam ahead for next year’s show and casting is already well underway. The professional skaters will be meeting potential celebrity partners on the ice next month to see how they pair up.
Big bucks! Dancing On Ice producers are powering through with plans for the 2021 series, reportedly with a mega budget lining the show’s coffers
Strictly Come Dancing
BBC boss Charlotte revealed TV executives are considering putting forward drastic measures in an attempt to save the show amid the coronavirus crisis.
Producers are still assessing contingency plans such as enforcing a face mask rule, dancing two metres apart and even quarantining celebrities and professional dancers.
TV executives have reportedly also ‘made the difficult decision’ to exclude the some of the show’s stand-out features in a bid to comply with current social distancing guidelines, including scrapping Blackpool week and group dances.
Never done before: Quarantining participants is being considered as options (judges Bruno Tonioli, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Craig Revel Horwood pictured)