Coronation Street to resume filming without older cast, ITV announces

Popular soap will ensure health and safety measures are put in place to protect its cast and crew

Coronation Street will resume filming on Tuesday 9 June following its 10-week enforced shutdown amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The popular ITV soap’s return to the cobbles means it will remain on-air through summer without a transmission break. Showrunners plan to film three episodes each week at the studios in Trafford, Manchester.

Corrie and its sister soap Emmerdale are among a number of programmes making a return to production, which was approved by UK government this week provided safety measures are put in place.

On Coronation Street, this includes the designation of crew to a specific studio or exterior set, plus social distancing measures and daily temperature checks for cast and crew.

Older or more vulnerable cast members will not be on set during the initial return to filming.

John Whiston, ITV’s managing director of continuing drama, said: “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.”