EastEnders filming has been impacted by the coronavirus and will only air two episodes week going forward.
The show released a statement last week saying: “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.”
They added: “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.”
Read more: EastEnders Kellie Bright claims Linda’s alcoholism has saved lives
Episodes will now air on Mondays at 8pm and Tuesdays at 7.30pm with immediate effect.
The EastEnders cast have taken the coronavirus shut down in good humour.
Natalie Cassidy who plays Sonia Fowler tweeted: “I shall get my trumpet out at some point and entertain myself.”
I shall get my trumpet out at some point and entertain myself. https://t.co/EnEsHgu2hq
— Natalie Cassidy (@Nat_Cassidy) March 18, 2020
And Lorraine Stanley, who plays Karen Taylor, has offered her services as a cleaner!
Anyone need a cleaner? ☹️ https://t.co/aAobtdzmG8
— lorraine stanley (@loustar76) March 18, 2020
The soap’s social media channels have released a video of some of the cast members washing their hands.
They are suggesting humming the theme of EastEnders instead of singing Happy Birthday every day, which the government have advised to stop the spread of coronavirus.
Bored of singing Happy Birthday all day, every day? Here’s what us lot at #EastEnders are humming along to… #Covid_19 #WashYourHands #StayHomeSaveLives pic.twitter.com/MBdGO8eXQk
— BBC EastEnders (@bbceastenders) March 21, 2020
Fans can still enjoy two episodes per week now going forward, so here’s what’s happening next week on EastEnders.
Dennis’s funeral
It’s the day of Dennis’s funeral, but when Jay arrives with flowers, Sharon says she doesn’t want any Mitchells at the ceremony.
Sharon struggles through the day, and snaps at Linda when she notices a detail her friend missed, but who arrives next sends shockwaves through the pub.
Phil returns
Phil turns up in The Vic for Dennis’s wake. Sharon is stunned by his arrival.
She launches herself at him, forcing Ian and Kathy to intervene.
After Phil bangs down the door of the Beales’ to get to Sharon, she hurls insults at him.
Ian calls the police, but when they arrive, Phil is nowhere to be seen.
Sharon later finds Phil at the Arches and they reminisce.
Phil realises what he has to do.
He later shocks Ian with his confession…
Linda falls off the wagon
Linda tells Mick she’s ready to return to work full time.
But when she finds Shirley’s vodka and pours herself a drink, it’s clear she’s not past her demons.
Shirley catches Linda red handed. Linda confesses she’s had a drink when Mick arrives.
Later, Linda opens up to Mick and the Carters come to a huge decision…
Dotty causes trouble
After spraying graffiti with Vinny, Dotty is out to cause trouble.
She steals a man’s wallet, but when he gives chase, Peter steps in to rescue her.
Later, Ian sees her sleeping on his couch.
He rifles through her bag and finds the keys to the Arches.
What is Ian planning?
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