Emmerdale viewers were left stunned tonight by a very timely "plague" comment inserted into the script.
Cast on the Yorkshire-based ITV soap have stopped filming following government advice on the coronavirus outbreak.
ITV have cut the number of episodes down to three a week to try to extend the length of time that the soap can remain on air.
However some fans were left surprised by comments made by characters Tracy and Charity over Vanessa's son Johnny's cold.
Seeing Tracy holding Johnny, Charity asked: "What are you doing back? Last time I checked there was at least another two hours left."
"Yeah, Harriet rang," Tracy explained. "Some of the parents saw him sneeze over the snack boxes and caused a protest."
Charity exclaimed: "What?!"
"I know," Tracy said. "I mean, he's got a bug, not the bubonic plague!"
Surprised viewers flocked to Twitter to comment, with one tweeting: "Timely mention of the plague there, #Emmerdale."
While another commented: "All these plague and spreading germs lines of dialogue tonight though... #Emmerdale."
A third remarked: "Start of coronavirus. #Emmerdale."
"That line is a bit current isn't it #Emmerdale," another wrote.
One commented: "If only they knew that a virus and lockdown measures are about to head there way! #Emmerdale."
*Emmerdale airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7pm on ITV
