Coronation Street and Emmerdale WILL continue filming despite coronavirus outbreak

Coronation Street
(Image credit: ITV)

Finally, some good news...

ITV bosses have confirmed that Coronation Street and Emmerdale will carry on with their filming schedule despite the latest coronavirus update.

The country might be facing lockdown as new coronavirus measures are announced by the government, but thankfully we will still have soaps to look forward to as ITV bosses announce they are still currently filming.

An ITV spokesperson told Digital Spy: "Our priority is the well being and safety of all our colleagues and everyone who works with us on our shows across our production.

WHAT IS ON TONIGHT? Check out our NEW and improved TV Guide

"Clearly, along with everyone across the country, we are in a developing and dynamic situation with respect to the coronavirus, so we are taking the appropriate steps.

"We've looked at our procedures and our established contingency plans and we're confident that we're able to continue with our filming schedule.

Emmerdale sign logo

Emmerdale cast and crew are still filming (Picture: ITV) (Image credit: ITV)

"In terms of our colleagues, our aim is to do everything we can to support anyone affected."

This latest news comes after ITV announced earlier this week that they would be using their TV shows to remind people about the importance of washing their hands.

An ITV insider said: "Because we script and shoot so far in advance, we don't generally reflect contemporary issues.

"However, we are going to use the soaps to remind people of important public health issues such as the need to wash their hands.

"We'll try and do more messages going forward."

EastEnders logo

The BBC is also still filming EastEnders scenes at far (Picture: ITV)

It has also been reported in the press that BBC are currently still filming EastEnders scenes amid coronavirus concerns. Please note EastEnders is now on at the later time of 8pm this evening.

Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7.30pm and 8.30pm on ITV.

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7pm on ITV, with an extra episode at 8pm on Thursdays.

Claire Crick
Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch

Claire is Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch and has been a journalist for over 15 years, writing about everything from soaps and TV to beauty, entertainment, and even the Royal Family. After starting her career at a soap magazine, she ended up staying for 13 years, and over that time she’s pulled pints in the Rovers Return, sung karaoke in the Emmerdale village hall, taken a stroll around Albert Square, and visited Summer Bay Surf Club in sunny Australia. 

After learning some tricks of the trade at websites Digital Spy, Entertainment Daily, and Woman & Home, Claire landed a role at What’s On TV and whattowatch.com writing about all things TV and film, with a particular love for Aussie soaps, Strictly Come Dancing and Bake Off

She’s interviewed everyone from June Brown — AKA Dot Cotton — to Michelle Keegan, swapped cooking tips with baking legend Mary Berry backstage at the NTAs, and danced the night away with soap stars at countless awards bashes. There’s not a lot she doesn’t know about soaps and TV and can be very handy when a soapy question comes up in a pub quiz! 

As well as all things soap-related, Claire also loves running, spa breaks, days out with her kids, and getting lost in a good book.