Countdown axes live studio audience for second time in its history following coronavirus outbreak

TEA-TIME telly favourite Countdown is being filmed without a live studio audience for only the second time in its 38-year history.

The long-running series took the measures in line with government coronavirus guidance.

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A source said: “Countdown bosses said they couldn’t run the risk of having an audience so filming will go ahead in an empty studio.

“They believe it is still safe to continue filming the pool of contestants they are working with but it's likely their schedule will slow in the coming months.”

A Channel 4 spokesperson said: “Acting on Public Health England advice Countdown was filmed without an audience earlier this week”.

ITV daytime shows including Loose Women and This Morning confirmed they were following government guidelines in a bid to keep their presenters safe.

An insider said: “Every effort is being taken to keep these shows on air but the health of the show’s stars and the staff working behind the scenes is the most important thing.

“Extra hand-washing measures have been put in place and people are being briefed daily on new protocols.”

The decision to axe audiences from Countdown’s studios comes shortly after ITV confirmed Ant And Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway would be overhauled amid the crisis.

The Sun exclusively revealed how the Geordie duo held crisis talks with telly bosses over the future of the show.

An ITV spokesperson told The Sun: “Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway will go ahead this weekend without a studio audience.

“Our priority is safeguarding the well-being of everyone involved.

“The show will be made with a reduced production crew and in accordance with the latest guidance from Public Health England.

“The team are looking forward to bringing our viewers a brilliant show on Saturday evening.”

It is the first time the prime time show has gone ahead without an audience and telly insiders say the team are working to ensure the show is adapted accordingly and will remain live.

After this weekend the next show on March 28 will be an hour long.

An insider said: “This is a real blow to the lads but they held a meeting with the top brass at ITV to see how they could make the show work moving forward and they are confident it will work.”