‘Emmerdale’ will cut its weekly output to two episodes per week from June 8th, to ensure the soap stays on air during the coronavirus pandemic.
ITV have confirmed the soap began a phased return to socially distanced filming last week with a reduced cast, who were shooting new episodes about characters in lockdown.
And the show will begin to broadcast these lockdown eps – which will feature characters 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) – from June 8th.
The two episodes a week will air on Mondays and Wednesdays at 7pm on ITV for three weeks, and then ‘Emmerdale’ will resume broadcasting three episodes per week, as they have been during lockdown.
‘Emmerdale’ filming was underway on May 20th at the show’s Leeds studios with a reduced crew to ensure all social distancing and health and safety measures were being strictly followed by the team.
ITV have teased the lockdown 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.
What’s more, 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.
Executive producer Jane Hudson said: "Lockdown has created an opportunity for us to focus on what is important in our lives.
"When we first discussed commissioning these episodes back in March the writers instantly rose to the challenge.
"Seven weeks into lockdown and the scripts have an added poignancy and meaning. The response from everyone at ‘Emmerdale’ to filming these episodes has been fantastic and we’re really grateful for their support."