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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Charlotte Tutton

Coronavirus: This Morning encourages younger fans to phone in amid pandemic anxiety

This Morning hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield opened up their phone-in to younger viewers, as long as they had permission from parents or guardians.

Normally the live phone-ins for viewers are open to those who are 18 years old and over only.

But with the coronavirus pandemic causing anxiety for many across the country, including youngsters, Phil and Holly decided to reach out.

On Wednesday morning, the hosts encouraged anyone with anxiety or questions about the outbreak and new restrictions to stop the virus spreading across the country.

They then asked anyone under the age of 18 to phone in if they needed to, offering their support.

This Morning hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield wanted younger viewers to open up (ITV)

Phillip said: "If you are feeling worried and anxious you can give us a call for free."

He added: "It normally says you should be 18 or over, but I think if you are younger there's no controversy in this.

"If you are younger and you're anxious, and you're at home, I think you can probably give us a call as well. Just make sure you get permission but you can do that."

This Morning's phone-in was open to everyone (ITV)

Holly agreed, before admitting her young children were asking questions too.

She said: "I mean I definitely would like advice on how to talk to younger kids, cos they're around all the time now.

"There's lots of questions coming through, I know they are in my house."

Holly shared her own concerns (ITV)

It comes after Phillip confessed the show was "holding on by the skin of their teeth" to keep going amid the virus.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread worldwide, with a jump in cases and deaths in the UK, measures are being taken to stop the spread going further.

BBC and other channels have halted production on several shows, with Holby City and EastEnders the latest to stop filming and production with immediate effect, and until further notice.

Phillip said in response to the news about EastEnders: "We're all holding on by the skin of our teeth."

This Morning airs weekdays at 10am on ITV.

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