Aussie soap Neighbours has shut down production due to coronavirus fears, a Network 10 spokeswoman has confirmed.
The news was confirmed by Network 10 and Fremantle Media today, with the production companies putting the focus on the health of cast and crew.
The statement read: "Neighbours has decided to take a short break this week to ensure the production model in place can withstand any potential impact of the current COVID-19 situation."
It added: "The health and well-being of everyone on the set of Neighbours will always be our priority."
The show's production, mainly filmed in Melbourne, Australia, will stop until next Monday.
But fans of the soap, aired on Channel 5 in the UK, don't have to worry about missing out as the break will not affect the airing schedule.
It comes as Neighbours celebrates its 35th year on screens, with a blockbuster week of episodes – and special late night editions – airing, with five weddings and three deaths confirmed.
Changes had already started in the soap, with actress Madeleine West, who plays Dee Bliss, revealed the cast had received a "stern email".
She wrote in her 9Honey column: "Even out here in the iconic lot, we are now feeling the coronavirus pinch as our studio goes into lockdown.
"We were notified via a stern email on Monday that kissing and hugging, the hallmarks of a great soap, have been outlawed in favour of handshakes.
"Yesterday saw contact further reduced to elbow taps."
On Tuesday, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison banned gatherings of more than 100 people, which affected filming.
Scenes which require loads of extras in the background will now just have three people.
Closer to home, it's been confirmed that Emmerdale is "business as normal", with filming continuing as well as the airing of six episodes per week.
Kissing scenes have also been banned, with ITV saying: "Scenes with kissing or close contact are being altered to minimise contact."
Neighbours airs at 1.45pm and 5.30pm weekdays on Channel 5
- Neighbours
- Coronavirus
Source: Read Full Article