BBC viewers have been left devastated from the news that dramas EastEnders, Casualty, Doctors, Holby City, Pobol y Cwm and River City will be suspended amid the coronavirus crisis.
The decision to postpone the dramas “until further notice” was made as drastic measures were put in place in a desperate attempt to stop the spread of the virus.
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EastEnders actress Tanya Franks posted a funny video announcing EastEnders had been postponed, ending the clip with the soap’s famous “duff, duff”.
Meanwhile fans have been sharing memes about their heartbreak over the suspension of soap filming, with many joking they now realise how serious coronavirus really is.
One fan said: “You know the #covid19UK outbreak is beyond breaking point when #EastEnders is now suspended until further notice.”
Someone else added: “No more normal episodes until JULY?? 2020 is cancelled, for real #EastEnders.”
Another added: “#EastEnders postponing filming has shocked me. I’m trying to stay positive, but the world as we know it is changing.”
One added: “You know it’s getting serious when they are rationing episodes of #Eastenders.”
EastEnders actress Natalie Cassidy joked: “I shall get my trumpet out at some point and entertain myself.”
It was revealed today that EastEnders has stopped filming and is cutting down to showing two episodes a week amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Episodes will air on Monday and Tuesday, halving its regular run with Thursday and Friday showings removed from the telly schedule.
The soap has stopped filming and is cutting down to showing two episodes a week amid the coronavirus pandemic
In a statement about EastEnders, the corporation said: “In light of the spread of Covid-19, after much consideration, it has been decided that filming on EastEnders will be postponed until further notice.
“The decision was made after the latest Government update.
“We will continue to follow the latest news and advice from the World Health Organisation and Public Health England.
“We have also taken the decision to reduce the amount of episodes we broadcast each week to two, so that we can ensure the audience can continue to enjoy EastEnders in their homes for as long as possible.”
In reference to Casualty, Doctors, EastEnders, Holby City, Pobol y Cwm and River City, the corporation said: “In light of the spread of Covid-19, after much consideration, it has been decided that filming on all BBC Studios continuing dramas will be postponed until further notice.
“The decision was made after the latest Government update.
“We will continue to follow the latest news and advice from the World Health Organisation and public health organisations.”
In the UK, coronavirus has killed 71 people while a total of 1,950 have been struck down with the illness.
The youngest to be hit with the killer bug are a baby and nine-month-old boy who have been diagnosed.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson last night promised a £350bn ‘war-time’ bailout to stop coronavirus from wrecking the economy.
