ITV confirms Emmerdale and Corrie episodes will run out in just a few weeks

Emmerdale will run out of episodes at the end of May if filming doesn't recommence, claimed ITV boss Kevin Lygo.

According to the programme boss, the banked soaps filmed prior to the coronavirus lockdown will fill the current schedules until the end of May.

Coronation Street have enough episodes to take them to the next month, but are likely to run out in June.

Both soaps took their weekly episode amounts down to three a week recently, amid COVID-19 bringing a halt to all TV filming and production.

But if the comments are anything to go by, this won't stop the episodes running out later next month.

Speaking at the Edinburgh TV Festival 2020, Kevin confirmed to press that Emmerdale would run out of episodes at the end of May.

Meanwhile, Coronation Street would continue for the time being but would run out of episodes at some point in June.

From his comments, it's also clear soap bosses are already considering what steps to take to protect those at most risk.

Coronation Street may run out of episodes in June (ITV)

Lygo revealed that older cast members including Ken Barlow actor William Roache may be absent from filming.

There wasn't an indication on how long this would last for.

It comes after Neighbours became the first soap to recommence production amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Both Neighbours and fellow Australian soap Home and Away are taking huge measures to allow filming to go ahead.

Now, it's thought UK soaps may take note and attempt similar precautions so that cast and crew can get back to filming new episodes.

On This Morning, Cain Dingle actor Jeff Hordley explained bosses' plans when the country comes out of lockdown.

Emmerdale and Corrie had to stop filming amid the coronavirus pandemic (ITV)

Host Phillip Schofield asked: "Has there been talk about how you go back if you were to go back?

"Because I think Neighbours started the other day but I think they were being very socially aware while they were filming.

"Has there been talk about how you guys would do it?"

Jeff said: "I think we would be following the model they've done over in Australia and that's how we would proceed if we were to go back. Most definitely."

Emmerdale airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7pm on ITV - while Coronation Street airs the same days at 7:30pm.