Soap fans have been given hope that their favourite shows could get back in business, with news that TV production is allowed to restart.
Following the UK government's latest guidelines over easing the lockdown amid the ongoing pandemic, one big talking point is whether shows like Coronation Street, EastEnders, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks will return to filming.
It's no secret that the shows' existing stockpile of episodes is starting to run low, so here's everything we know so far about the current situation and what happens next.
Can Coronation Street, EastEnders, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks return to filming?
In short: yes, but there's a lot of work to do in order to make that happen.
In his televised statement to the nation on Sunday evening (May 10), Prime Minister Boris Johnson stated that anyone who couldn't work from home should be actively encouraged to return to work. This marked the first signs of the UK lockdown starting to ease, having been in place since March 23.
The Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport later confirmed that film and television production is permitted to restart, as long as all colleagues are able to safely adhere to social-distancing rules.
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A DCMS spokesperson told Screen Daily: "The government is working closely with the screen sector to understand how different types of productions can comply with social-distancing guidelines, and give confidence to people in the TV and film industries that there are safe ways in which they can return to work."
This tentative green light applies to all TV and film production, rather than being specific to soaps like Coronation Street and EastEnders.
The soaps will still have to make their own individual decisions on how and when they will restart production, so it's important not to get too carried away ahead of specific announcements from the shows.
Crucially, at the time of publication, none of the soaps have been in a position yet to announce a return to work – although Digital Spy will keep you posted with any updates as they happen.
ITV did release a statement to Digital Spy today (May 13) which read: "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."
A full set of COVID-19 secure guidelines for TV productions are expected to be published later this week, which will spell out the new rules in more detail.
The general guidance on the GOV.UK site – covering all workplaces – states: "All workers who cannot work from home should travel to work if their workplace is open. As soon as practicable, workplaces should be set up to meet the new COVID-19 secure guidelines.
"These will keep you as safe as possible, whilst allowing as many people as possible to resume their livelihoods. In particular, workplaces should, where possible, ensure employees can maintain a two-metre distance from others, and wash their hands regularly."
The British Film Commission has also been conducting an industry-wide consultation over COVID-19, including issues relating to filming protocols and insurance. This will close on Friday, May 15.
Can Coronation Street, EastEnders, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks film safely?
The UK soaps are likely to put in place similar protocols to Aussie show Neighbours, which recently became the first major drama to return to filming.
Cast and crew on Neighbours have been shooting while staying two metres apart, with kissing scenes and physical contact banned. Camera trickery is used to make physically-distanced actors appear closer, and cast have been filming in smaller groups with limited crossover.
Here in the UK, television bosses have spoken about other possibilities to keep people safe, including writing out older cast members and conducting coronavirus tests on cast and crew.
Our full guide to how Soapland could change under the new guidelines can be read here.
What about Home and Away?
Following in the footsteps of Neighbours, rival Aussie soap Home and Away has also recently announced a return to filming. Production will resume at the show's Sydney studios on Monday, May 25.
A spokesperson for Seven, which broadcasts Home and Away in Australia, recently said: "Home and Away will resume filming on May 25 at Seven's studios. This follows a seven-week break that was implemented as a precautionary response to COVID-19 but also included Easter holidays.
"A range of measures will be in place to minimise risk for cast and crew, to be overseen by dedicated safety officers. The measures include temperature checks on arrival, increased hygiene practices and rigorous cleaning schedules.
"Scripts will also be reworked to reduce close contact, in constant consultation with the cast and crew to ensure the health and safety of all."
Home and Away will only be shooting interior scenes until further notice, with its usual location work on Palm Beach currently remaining on hold.
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 (COVID-19) 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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