SOAP fans were given a lockdown boost as the Government said TV and film crews could soon head back to work.
Studios are in talks about reopening if they can stick to the social distancing rules and stay two metres apart, ministers said.
Chantelle Atkins and other stars could go back to filming if crews stick to social distancing rules
The move will spark hopes filming of shows such as EastEnders and Coronation Street could be up and running again before long.
Shooting of new scenes for soaps and many other screen favourites had been halted because of the Covid restrictions.
The BBC has suspended production of EastEnders and slashed the number of episodes it shows each week from four to two to try to eke out the Albert Square storylines it had already filmed.
ITV stopped filming Corrie and Emmerdale and also reduced the number of episodes per week.
All stars including Max Branning will have to stay 2m apart on set
And all movie production has been halted since the country went into lockdown on March 23.
But Downing Street’s roadmap to ease the tough coronavirus restrictions could clear the sector to head back to work.
A Department for Culture spokesman said: “The Government is working closely with the screen sector to understand how different types of productions can comply with social distancing guidelines, and give confidence to people in the TV and film industries that there are safe ways in which they can return to work.”
It is believed the first to head back will be technicians involved in editing shows and films to get them on screen.
ITV suspended the filming of Coronation Street and reduced the number of episodes per week
Caprice and her Dancing On Ice partner already seemingly social distanced
But EastEnders bosses said it was still too soon to reopen their set.
Meanwhile, millions of Brits were expected to hit the road and head back to their jobs today as ministers gradually ease the lockdown.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Sunday night the nation should return to work if people cannot do it from home.
Bosses have been scrambling to put up screens and tape off desks as they transform their business sites to impose social distancing in time as they bring workers back in.
Filming of Emmerdale could be up and running again under the new measures
Business Secretary Alok Sharma last night moved to reassure Brits that it was safe to go back to work.
He said: “Employers have a duty to keep their workers safe in their place of work.
“Of course, if somebody feels their workplace is not safe they have to take that up with their employer.”
Bosses face spot checks to make sure they stick to the new rules.
