ITV have suggested that older characters on its soaps may not feature immediately when filming resumes following production shutdowns.
Coronation Street and Emmerdale both halted filming recently in the wake of the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, and while it is unclear when they will return to shooting, ITV have now given some more information on how the lockdown is affecting both shows.
"They're being incredibly inventive and creative about re-jigging storylines," the broadcaster's head of studios Kevin Lygo said at the ED TV festival.
Related: Coronation Street star Sue Cleaver hints show's tone could change when filming resumes
"Obviously lots of scripts were written for this period of filming, but they're adapting some. I think we've got to accept there'll be more 'two people talking in a room' type stuff. They're looking at ways of shooting where people don't appear to be six feet apart, and so forth.
"We're looking at all that. We're having to investigate testing as an option and how we would do it — on actors and crew."
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He noted that you "can't expect" soaps to follow a similar format to the more remote, virtual programming that has been on the channel, noting: "You need make-up, you need wardrobe. People will not be able to keep six feet apart so how can that be done in a safe way?
Related: Emmerdale star Jeff Hordley opens up about how he and wife Zoe Henry are spending life in lockdown
"We won't go back in shooting until we're convinced it's safe on a number of levels. We've got to adhere to all guidelines. We don't want to put any of our staff — any of our crew or our cast — at risk."
Lygo also suggested that those more at risk, such as older actors, would not return to work from the outset.
"Some people who are in a dangerous zone, if by age or health reasons, they won't be there, I'm sure, for a time," he explained. "I don't want Ken Barlow to get sick on my watch. We will be very careful and mindful about what's happening."
The information in this story is accurate as of the publication date. While we are attempting to keep our content as up-to-date as possible, the situation surrounding the coronavirus pandemic continues to develop rapidly, so it's possible that some information and recommendations may have changed since publishing. For any concerns and latest advice, visit the World Health Organisation. If you're in the UK, the National Health Service can also provide useful information and support, while US users can contact the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
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