‘Coronation Street’ will resume filming on June 9th.
ITV have confirmed Corrie’s cast and crew have returned to work after an enforced production break due to the coronavirus pandemic, and earlier today (01.06.20) the production team began a health and safety induction to familiarise themselves with the new protocols that are now in place throughout the studios and on the ‘Coronation Street’ set.
Series producer Iain MacLeod said: "The whole team at ‘Coronation Street’ has pulled together to generate an ingenious, intricate set of protocols, to allow filming to restart as safely as humanly possible.
"We are really pleased to be able to resume making the nation’s favourite soap at a time when people need the reassurance of their regular ‘Corrie’ fix more than ever.
"Safety remains our number one priority and we are under no illusions about the challenges still facing us and the nation as a whole.
"However, I can assure viewers that Corrie’s ever-present humour and brilliant storytelling will be there in abundance in the episodes due to begin filming next week and beyond."
The cast and crew’s initial filming pattern will produce three episodes per week.
Several new health and safety measures have been introduced to ensure a return to filming is possible, amid the coronavirus pandemic.
These include the cast and crew having their temperatures checked on a daily basis by an external company, who are specialised medical advisors.
What’s more, members of the cast and crew who are over the age of 70 – which includes 88-year-old Bill Roache (Ken Barlow) – or have an underlying health condition, won’t be on set during the initial period of filming.
There will be an individual risk assessment process for those who fall into a Clinically Vulnerable category, and they will be able to return to work if it is safe for them to do so.
What’s more, props will be sanitised with the design team working at a safe distance, the make-up and costume departments will work remotely with members of the cast, but office staff will still work from home to ensure fewer people in the building.
John Whiston, Managing Director of Continuing Drama and Head of ITV in the North, added: "Getting to this point has taken a huge amount of work and goodwill from a huge number of people, not least our cast and crew.
"With the peak past, all indications are that the time is right for a return to filming. And with the extensive protocols we have put in place, we have made our workplace as safe as possible.
"I’m sure our audience will appreciate having the show they love continue on air. For many who have written in it is a vital escape from all the fears and stresses this virus brings in its wake."