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Simon Duke

Eastenders filming suspended due to coronavirus as BBC also halts Casualty, Holby City and Doctors

There were suggestions it could happen and the BBC has now revealed that filming has been suspended on EastEnders, as well as other shows on the channel.

The news comes after PM Boris Johnson advised the country to avoid 'non essential social contact' and mass gatherings.

In a statement about EastEnders, the corporation said: “In light of the spread of Covid-19, after much consideration, it has been decided that filming on EastEnders will be postponed until further notice. The decision was made after the latest Government update.
“We will continue to follow the latest news and advice from the World Health Organisation and Public Health England.

"We have also taken the decision to reduce the amount of episodes we broadcast each week to two, so that we can ensure the audience can continue to enjoy EastEnders in their homes for as long as possible.”


In reference to Casualty, Doctors,Holby City, Pobol y Cwm and River City, the corporation said: “In light of the spread of Covid-19, after much consideration, it has been decided that filming on all BBC Studios continuing dramas will be postponed until further notice. The decision was made after the latest Government update.

"We will continue to follow the latest news and advice from the World Health Organisation and public health organisations.”

The BBC announcement comes after Coronation Street became the first UK soap to address coronavirus in one of its scenes.

The Coronation Street abuse storyline involving Yasmeen and Geoff has shocked viewers over the past few months and in one of Monday's episodes he forced her to clean their bathroom, before telling her: "Hey, wash your hands first you’ve just had your arm jammed up a u-bend."

As Yasmeen got some soap and put her hands under the tap, Geoff asked: "You are singing happy birthday twice over in your head like I told you?"

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