EastEnders to postpone filming and reduce episodes during social distancing

The world has gone to RUIN

EastEnders

by Emma Dodds |
Updated on

Show bosses over at EastEnders have announced plans to cease filming on the soap amid the Coronavirus. Not only will they be postponing the production of new episodes, but they'll also be spreading out the ones that they do have, so that people who are social distancing are still able to watch their favourite show.

This comes after the Government's updated advice, and bosses have released a statement to say that they will keep up-to-date with advice from Public Health England.

The statement reads, "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."

CHECK OUT EastEnders spoilers: Phil and Sharon's showdown

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EastEnders spoilers: Phil and Sharon's showdown SLIDER

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It's Dennis' funeral but when Jay Brown arrives with flowers from Ben Mitchell and Lola Pearce, Sharon makes it clear that no Mitchell is welcome.

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Ian is wracked with guilt and sneaks off to meet Dotty who pressures him to come clean.

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Things become too much for Sharon and it's not long before Ben defiantly arrives at the wake... As tension begins to build Ian steps in and tries to calm Sharon down but everyone is stunned when Phil arrives.

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As soon as Sharon sees her estranged husband she launches herself at him, forcing Ian and Kathy Beale to intervene.

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Phil is desperate to speak to Sharon and ends up kicking Ian's door down.

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Sharon hurls insults at him and as things start to get out of hand Ian calls the police but when they arrive Phil is gone.

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Over at the Mitchells, Phil nurses a drink but when Jay walks in he advises him against turning to booze. It's not long before the police come knocking and Phil is forced into hiding.

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Meanwhile, as Ian tries to avoid Dotty he spots Phil in the Square.

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Elsewhere in the Carter household, Linda refuses to let Shirley Carter dampen her mood. After reassuring the social worker Linda makes it clear she wants to be there for Sharon.

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Linda tells Mick she's ready to return to work full time but it's not long before she finds Shirley's vodka and pours herself a drink.

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Shirley catches Linda and when Mick returns home, the landlady is forced to admit she had a drink.

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Linda opens up to Mick about how she's feeling and after they read to Ollie Carter in bed they come to a decision.

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Following a conversation with Sharon, Linda suggests to Mick that she shouldn't work in the bar anymore. What will this mean for the Carter household?

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Vinny struggles to be around Suki Panesar and decides to take his mind off things by graffitiing.

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When Dotty bumps into him it's not long before the pair strike up a friendship.

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Fed up of Ian, Dotty demands the restaurant keys and invites Vinny for a drink.

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Meanwhile, Habiba and Jags have a heart to heart and it's not long before they share a kiss... Then ext day they reel from their night together.

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After a few drinks together, Vinny and Dotty head to Ruby's but when it dawns on him that she's out to cause trouble, Vinny heads home.

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It's not long before Dotty steals someone's wallet but when he goes after her, Peter Beale steps in to save the day.

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Later, Ian looks through Dotty's bag and manages to find the keys to The Arches. He then destroys the phone and kicks Dotty out.

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While Ian thinks he has the upper hand he's not prepared for Dotty's next move... Meanwhile Bobby Beale develops a crush on Dotty.

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Later, Vinny winds Dotty up about their bet - who can start their own business first - however when he notices her mood he gets her to open up...

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Dotty then decides to goad Ian and he begins to feel very uncomfortable... When they're alone Dotty threatens Ian.

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Following his chat with Dotty, Vinny hatches a plan to start his own business.

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Elsewhere, following everything that's happened, Callum continues to support Ben and encourage him to face his situation. Seeing Callum's devotion, Ben admits he loves him.

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Following a difficult few weeks, Chantelle Atkins throws herself into work with the Panesars.

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They also confirmed that the episodes will now air on Mondays at 8pm and Tuesdays at 7:30pm each week, skipping the usual Thursday and Friday episodes of the soap.

Fans of the soap were disappointed, but understanding of the decision, and took to Twitter to share their thoughts. One wrote, 'Ahhh man. Self isolation is gonna even worse now Face with tears of joy but wise decision to stop filming and space them out!' as another added, 'Completely respect your decision and hope everyone keeps well. Will miss seeing it as much.'

EastEnders will now air on Mondays at 8pm and Tuesdays at 7.30pm until further notice.

It's also been reported that the BBC have made he decision to shut down Doctors, Holby City and Casualty following EastEnders' announcement.

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