'Hollyoaks' is slashing the number of episodes it airs weekly due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Jennifer Metcalfe
Bosses on the soap have decided to broadcast less instalments to ensure the series - which stars Jennifer Metcalfe as Mercedes McQueen - can stay on Channel 4 during the pandemic.
The show usually airs every weekday, with a special first-look episode on E4 straight after, but it has now been confirmed that the soap will only air on Mondays, Tuesday and Wednesdays from next week.
A statement from 'Hollyoaks' read: "We are planning ahead to make sure 'Hollyoaks' stays on air for as long as possible.
"As we continue to monitor the current situation and follow PHE advice in order to continue filming safely for the time being, we will make changes to the schedule so that from next week 'Hollyoaks' episodes will be broadcast Monday to Wednesday on Channel 4 and E4.
"In the event that we have to take a break from filming, we will look to revisiting some favourite episodes from recent years so 'Hollyoaks' fans don't miss out."
The 'Hollyoaks' announcement follows the decision made by the producers of BBC One soap 'EastEnders' to shut down filming and reduce broadcasting to just two episodes a week.
A statement from the BBC read: "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."
ITV will continue to film 'Coronation Street' and 'Emmerdale' but, in order to ensure that they both stay on air, the transmission pattern of the programmes has been altered.
'Coronation Street' will be dropping three episodes per week, with every 8.30pm instalment axed, while 'Emmerdale' is losing one episode each week.
'Emmerdale' will now air weeknights at 7pm and 'Corrie' will hit screens at 7.30pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings.
The change will mean the two soaps are able to stay on air until July even if production has to be completely shut down to protect the cast and crew on both series from catching the potentially deadly respiratory illness.
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