EastEnders stars have been keeping in touch with their cast mates over FaceTime as they struggle in isolation.
The BBC soap was plunged into crisis last month when production was halted for the filming of new episodes in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
The amount of episodes broadcast each week has also been reduced from four to two in order to keep audiences enjoying the show for as long as possible.
Episodes are now airing on Mondays at 8pm and Tuesdays at 7:30pm only with immediate effect.
The soap’s cast have been thrown into disarray, much like the rest of the national, are they’re forced into lockdown, and are not seeing their cast mates they usually spend every day with.
Shona McGarty has opened up on her life in lockdown, revealing she’s keeping in touch with her fellow BBC soap stars via FactTime.
Shona- who plays Whitney Dean - told Metro : "It’s a very sad, uncertain, and frightening time for everyone at the moment.
"I have been keeping in contact with friends from work. We all speak regularly. I’m obviously keeping in contact with my family and friends via FaceTime etc.
"It’s so important to keep spirits up and communicate with each other. I live on my own with my 2 doggies Coco and Cece."
The actress has encouraged fans, especially those struggling with anxiety like her, to “keep spirits up” during lockdown.
She said: "I would like to say, as someone who has suffered with anxiety, it’s so important that we can fearlessly speak out about our mental health at this time."
"If you know someone who suffers from mental health, or if you suffer, call someone” Shona added.
“Keep in touch with friends. Talk about how you're feeling. You are NOT alone. This is a really difficult time for everyone.”
Eastenders’ episodes are typically filmed six weeks in advance and it is not yet clear how many the BBC have ready to air.
Filming halted on the soap at the same time as work stopped on Casualty, Doctors, Holby City, Pobol y Cwm, River City, Line of Duty, Silent Witness and Peaky Blinders.
