BBC confirms EastEnders has STOPPED FILMING amid coronavirus crisis

Coronavirus continues to cause chaos for TV scheduling...

The BBC has announced that filming for all continuing drama, including EastEnders, has been stopped with immediate effect amid the latest coronavirus updates.

The decision, which will affect EastEnders, Casualty, Holby City and Doctors as announced today.

Sharon Mitchell lets Karen look after Kayden in EastEnders. — EastEnders has now stopped filming

A EastEnders spokesperson revealed this morning: "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.

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"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.

Casualty logo

Casualty studios have also been closed amid coronavirus drama (Picture: BBC)

"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 light of this latest decision, it has been annoyed that EastEnders will now air on Mondays at 8pm and Tuesdays at 7:30pm with immediate effect.

However, it's not just EastEnders studios that are being temporarily shut down. It has also been announced that filming of all continuing drama made by the BBC will be postponed until further notice.

Elsewhere, Neighbours is taking a break in filming after an employee recently came into contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19.

As it stand the Neighbours studios are set to reopen on Monday 23rd March.

Coronation Street and Emmerdale studios are currently still open. An ITV spokesperson announced yesterday: "Our priority is the well being and safety of all our colleagues and everyone who works with us on our shows across our production.

Holby City logo

The BBC has closed all studios for continuing drama (Picture: BBC) (Image credit: BBC)

"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.

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

EastEnders will temporarily air a reduced schedule of two episodes a week. Watch on Mondays at 8pm and Tuesdays at 7:30pm on BBC One.

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.