ITV boss Kevin Lygo has confirmed that if filming isn't able to resume due to lockdown restrictions, that soaps on the channel could just have weeks left on air.
Speaking during an online question and answer session at the Edinburgh TV Festival, Lygo revealed that filmed Emmerdale episodes will run out at around the end of May.
The show recently cut its weekly broadcasts from seven episodes down to three, in order to try and keep running for as long as possible.
Coronation Street has banked episodes until the end of June, having reduced its six episodes by half, down to three. It means that if no more are filmed, then the beloved soaps could both be off-air by the summer.
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But, there is hope for soap fans, as bosses of both the shows are making suggested alternatives in order to bring back filming.
Kevin said that potential plans could be put in place so that filming could resume to an extent once lockdown restrictions begin to ease.
He did mention that one of those measures would mean that older cast members may not return for some time after.
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He added: "I don't want Ken Barlow to get sick."
Lygo said that producers will be rewriting the storylines to limit how many cast members are involved, potentially using technology to film and make it appear that some are there who aren't - all to adhere to social distancing measures.
On This Morning, Cain Dingle actor Jeff Hordley was asked about plans for post-lockdown telly.
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Phillip Schofield asked him: "Has there been talk about how you go back if you were to go back? Because I think Neighbours started the other day but I think they were being very socially aware while they were filming.
"Has there been talk about how you guys would do it?"
Jeff said: "I think we would be following the model they've done over in Australia and that's how we would proceed if we were to go back. Most definitely."
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During the Edinburgh TV Q&A, Katie Rawcliffe, head of entertainment at ITV, said that other live shows like Britain's Got Talent and The Voice will go ahead without a studio audience.
She said: "It looks like we will have to do some shows without audiences. This whole experience has brought out more creativity in people and the best in people, we all have to think a bit harder about how we do things."
Topics: Entertainment, TV and Film