Andy Whyment doesn’t think ‘Coronation Street’ will have to go off air before filming resumes.
The ITV show has been on an extended break due to the coronavirus pandemic, while the broadcaster also reduced the number of episodes each week, and the 39-year-old actor has revealed there are already enough episodes "in the can" to stay on air well into the summer.
He told OK! Magazine: "I think we’re hoping to get back mid-June, that’s what we’re working towards.
"We have enough episodes in the can until early July, so hopefully we won’t have to go off air."
The cobbles star – who has played Kirk Sutherland since 2000 – also discussed how the crew are having to work around the ongoing health crisis when it comes to "rewriting all the scripts" to reflect the current climate.
He added: "They’ve been rewriting all the scripts and it’s been such a massive part of everyone’s lives, so the show will probably reflect that.
"We won’t be able to do big group scenes, like where everyone is in the Rovers, and if pubs haven’t reopened by then, we won’t be able to do any scenes in the Rovers at all."
His comments come after ITV bosses revealed both ‘Corrie’ and ‘Emmerdale’ were preparing for a potential return to set next month while ensuring the health and safety of the cast and crew.
In a recent statement, the broadcaster said: "The health and well-being of our people and those who work with us has always been our highest priority and remains so as we look to restart production.
"We are in the final stages of working with others across the industry on a return-to-production protocol and we are in active discussions with Government on this.
"We will share more news in due course."
The update comes after it was revealed ‘EastEnders’ bosses are also hoping to get back underway next month, with the BBC soap looking to resume filming by the end of June.