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The British Soap Operas are now taking steps towards preventing the spread of the coronavirus on their sets. As soaps are already feeling the effect of show delays, they have begun making preparations in case they have to stop production. Some shows are even deciding to add things involving the coronavirus in order to remind people of ways to prevent themselves from getting sick.
EastEnders, Emmerdale, and Coronation Street have begun making plans just in case they have to stop production. If their crew and cast have to go self-isolate, they eight-weeks of episodes that they will be able to use, and they are planning on spreading those episodes as far as they can. Each show will most likely be sliced down into two episodes a week if they have to stop production.
This will allow for viewers to be able to still watch their favorite soaps every week until either the eight weeks of episodes has reached its end, or they are able to start up production once again. Other Major BBC shows have stopped production, and elderly cast members have been advised to self-isolate. Other actors have been given the option to come in or to self-isolate. The actors that decide to self-isolate will not be written in the scripts. However, viewers will still see the scenes that were previously filmed with those characters.
Delayed Episodes and Kissing Bans
EastEnders was recently affected by the BBC schedule change that included the 6 pm news being extended, which cause EastEnders to be delayed.
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Coronation Street has been taking precautions on their sets by issuing a ban any kissing scenes and has been rewritten or being rewritten in order for the scene to have limited physical contact. This is to prevent the virus from being spread on set.
Using Story to Spread Awareness
Lastly, Coronation Street and Emmerdale have decided to use their platform to inform their viewers of ways to fight of the virus and not catch it. This will happen in their upcoming episodes as they will remind people of the importance of handwashing.
There has been no word of if they will do any direct storylines that will touch on the issue, but the shows will make sure to emphasize the importance of handwashing to prevent the spreading of the virus. It looks like the British Soaps are taking the virus seriously while also trying to keep their show running.
AMP in the post
[…] How does Roy Cropper’s (David Neilson) prison promote good behavior, or do I worry too much? It was intriguing to see Roy with a chess set in his cell, to allow chess pieces may not be as straightforward as one might think. […]