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Emmerdale bosses have announced the show will resume filming next month, with six special episodes focussing on the characters in lockdown.
The ITV soap halted filming back in March due to the coronavirus pandemic, and it has since been revealed that the show would run out of episodes this month.
Fortunately, it has now been revealed that filming began at the show’s studios in Leeds earlier this week, on six episodes that will be recorded in the next two weeks.
Each episode will focus on a different Emmerdale household, showing how the characters within it have been getting on in lockdown.
An ITV press release teased: “We’ll see resentments and past feuds resurface, old wounds further exposed, relationships scrutinised, with doubts and insecurities laid bare. Some seize the opportunity lockdown presents to heal divisions, whilst others get some sizzle back into their lives!
“With the backdrop of the pandemic, the characters also reflect the nation’s immense gratitude and thanks for the NHS with the weekly clap for carers and the people working on the frontline keeping our country safe.”
To adhere to social distancing guidelines, special measures have been introduced for the actors and production team.
These include filming units staying together to work in designated studios – and crew members using their own sanitised equipment – while scriptwriters have been urged to include only a small number of actors with fewer scenes, to limit the number of people required to be on set.
Jane Hudson, Emmerdale’s executive producer, said: “Lockdown has created an opportunity for us to focus on what is important in our lives. When we first discussed commissioning these episodes back in March the writers instantly rose to the challenge.
“Seven weeks into lockdown and the scripts have an added poignancy and meaning. The response from everyone at Emmerdale to filming these episodes has been fantastic and we’re really grateful for their support.”
Emmerdale’s lockdown specials will air in June, beginning with Cain and Aaron (Jeff Hordley and Danny Miller) and Chas and Paddy (Lucy Pargeter and Dominic Brunt).
Subsequent episodes will feature Sam and Lydia (James Hooton and Karen Blick), Marlon, Al and Ellis (Mark Charnock, Michael Wildman, Aaron Anthony), Mandy and Vinny (Lisa Riley and Bradley Johnson) and Jimmy and Nicola (Nick Miles and Nicola Wheeler).