Coronation Street will be back filming soon after coronavirus shutdown, promises Melanie Hill
CORONATION Street's Melanie Hill says the cast will be back at work "soon" after filming stopped over coronavirus fears.
Production on both Corrie and Emmerdale has been halted from today amid fears about the pandemic.
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While they are following guidelines, the Cathy Matthews actress reassured fans they'll be back to filming soon.
She wrote: "Just wanted to say that we will be back at work SOON - we are all gutted to be standing down but know it's for the best - #staysafe #corrie@itvcorrie."
Soap stars have been told not to come in for work from today as drastic measures are taken to stop the spread of the deadly bug.
Coronation Street and Emmerdale will remain on air this week as normal, apart from Friday.
Then from the 30th onwards it will be on just three times a week.
A spokesman told The Sun: “ITV has sadly taken the decision to suspend production of the soaps Coronation Street and Emmerdale with effect from Monday 23 March.
"We’ve been doing our best to carry on filming, whilst adhering to the Government’s latest health guidelines, to ensure we’ve episodes of both soaps airing on ITV until at least the early summer.
"However, the health and well-being of the production teams, actors, crew and their families is of paramount importance to us and we now feel that the time has come to stop filming.
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"We’d like to thank our viewers for their support and hope they continue to enjoy both soaps in the coming months."
Fans were upset by the news but praised ITV for its decision to protect stars.
One said: "Saddest news, but the smart thing to do. Guess I’ll be rationing my Corrie just like my food..."
Another added: "thank you so, so, so much for continuing on as long as you all could but the most important thing to us is everyone’s safety and well-being. very proud to support you guys and look forward to the episodes we will be getting during this awful time. take care of yourselves."
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A third wrote: "Absolutely the right decision. Thank you for prioritising the safety of your cast and crew. Stay safe everyone."
BBC viewers were also left devastated this week after being told dramas EastEnders, Casualty, Doctors, Holby City, Pobol y Cwm and River City will be suspended amid the coronavirus crisis.