Soaps have banned kissing due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Fans of shows such as ‘Coronation Street’, ‘Emmerdale’ and ‘EastEnders’ will be left disappointed as new restrictions are being put in place to adhere to social distancing regulations and that rules out kissing between characters.
A source told the Sunday Mirror newspaper: "This even spells the end of holding hands. We all have to keep the 2m distance."
‘Emmerdale’ star Katherine Dow Blyton – who plays vicar Harriet Finch – previously revealed that kissing was initially ruled out in the week before the soap stopped filming due to lockdown.
Speaking about her character’s steamy romp with DI Mark Malone (Mark Womack) in the church, she said: "We were supposed to have a big snog but we had to keep a distance and leave everything to the audience’s ¬imagination. I think this will be the norm when we go back."
Meanwhile, earlier this week, ‘Emmerdale’ resumed filming with six new episodes featuring characters in lockdown.
The ITV soap confirmed its production team have "commenced a phased return" by working on the new stories set during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Filming was underway on Wednesday (20.05.20) at the show’s Leeds studios with a reduced crew to ensure all social distancing and health and safety measures are being strictly followed by the team.
The six new episodes focus on Cain and Aaron (Jeff Hordley and Danny Miller), Chas and Paddy (Lucy Pargeter and Dominic Brunt), Sam and Lydia (James Hooton and Karen Blick), Marlon, Al and Ellis (Mark Charnock, Michael Wildman and Aaron Anthony), Mandy and Vinny (Lisa Riley and Bradley Johnson), and Jimmy and Nicola (Nick Miles and Nicola Wheeler).
ITV teased the episodes will see "resentments and past feuds resurface, old wounds further exposed, relationships scrutinised, with doubts and insecurities laid bare", with a hint of romance.
It’s has also been confirmed that the characters will join in the weekly ‘Clap For Carers’ to show their support for the NHS and frontline workers.
The episodes will be directed by Ian Bevitt and recorded over a two-week period.