EastEnders bosses are setting the wheels in motion for a return to filming as early as next month, although they will be taking measures to comply with government safety guidelines.
It comes after production ground to a halt on a number of soaps as the UK went into lockdown back in March, but the news will be a welcome relief for fans who have had their regular programming stripped back to just two episodes a week to make up for the break in filming.
Producers will take measures such as cutting out hair and make-up and the crew doubling as extras, to keep the number of people on set at any one time down.
BBC’s director of content, Charlotte Moore, said, “We've been looking carefully at how we can safely put some of our shows back into production, and I'm pleased to announce that we plan to begin filming again on both EastEnders and Top Gear by the end of June.
"Of course, we will work within Government guidelines. Crews will be strictly limited. Cast members will do their own hair and make-up. Social distancing will be in place."
CHECK OUT: EastEnders spoilers - Keegan Taylor comes clean to Jack Branning
EastEnders spoilers: Keegan Taylor comes clean to Jack Branning - slider
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The week begins with Jack apologising to Keegan for not believing him but it quickly dawns on Tiffany Butcher that he shared the video.
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Tiffany is worried Jack will lose his job and forces her husband to tell him what he's done.
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When Jack finds out the truth he's left less than impressed and scolds Keegan…
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Meanwhile after some words of wisdom from Bailey Taylor, Isaac Baptise opens up to Denise Fox.
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Tension continues to grow and Tiffany tries to talk to Keegan but he refuses to apologise to Jack.
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Later, Jack has a run-in with Vinny Panesar about the video… And Keegan gloats to his parents Mitch Baker and Karen Taylor about the response he has had.
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Tina rushes to call an ambulance following Jean's seizure and Suki Panesar steps in to help.
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Elsewhere Callum Highway returns to support his boyfriend but he's left feeling concerned when Ben is unwell.
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Kathy tries to support her grandson but they're distracted when they spot Frankie arguing with a doctor – Ben is left worried about his future.
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He's then left devastated when his operation is rescheduled… Linda Carter is shocked when Phil seems more concerned about buying The Vic than his son's operation.
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He's then annoyed when Kathy reveals that Ben's operation has been postponed. Kathy is left feeling suspicious when she notices Ben and Phil's change of mood…
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Phil is left torn about whether or not to let Ben help with a job… He later bumps into Danny – but what does he want?
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When Callum catches Frankie shoplifting he realises she's deaf. He then tries to help her and goes on to ask her to speak to Ben. Ben is less than impressed with the idea – but will he agree?
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Habiba Ahmed puts her plan in motion but when Ian clocks on he plays her at her own game and reveals all to Max… He then makes Max an offer he can't refuse.
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Following a run-in with Lola Pearce, she offers him a peace offering.
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When Martin manages to tackle a thief, Ruby impressed and offers him a job as security at her club.
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EastEnders aren’t the only soap to be putting a plan in place for a return to filming, with ITV programme boss Kevin Lygo saying Corrie and Emmerdale were considering ‘retiring’ older characters until the risk of infection was reduced.
“It’s a huge risk to remove some of Corrie’s biggest stars, but far riskier to allow them on set,” a source told The Sun.
“In one respect, it’s much simpler to focus on the storylines involving younger actors for whom returning to filming is less of a risk. But it’s also a nightmare for the producers because an unusually large chunk of the show’s cast are elderly and many of them had ongoing storylines sketched out for them months in advance.”