Yahoo News EastEnders cast share how filming the soap has changed under social distancing guidelines
EastEnders is back filming new episodes after production was paused due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, with a handful of cast members having re-joined the show as well.
Of course, the cast and crew are having to follow social distancing guidelines in order to minimise the risk of the virus spreading.
In a new video shared to Twitter, which you can watch below, the stars of the soap explain how things have changed on set and how they're getting around reduced staff and a two-metre distance rule.
"A typical day at EastEnders is very different now," Shona McGarty, who plays Whitney, said.
Related: Stacey Dooley hits back at criticism over her EastEnders spinoff show research
"There's lots of measures in place. There's a one-way system so when you come in, in the morning, you go one way and it's strange because usually when you're filming you shouldn't be looking for where you're supposed to stand, for your mark.
"Everyone's just walking around looking for their signs and it's just like [chaos]. I'm sure, as time goes on, we'll all get used to it.
"Also, I have to do my own makeup. It's crazy. So, we've all been given our own brushes and our own little makeup bags with our character make-up in. All fresh and brand new. It's all been sanitised."
Lorraine Stanley, who plays Karen, said: "Not being able to hug people is an issue, because I'm a hugger."
She added: "We're sticking to the two-metre rule but the magic of TV makes it look like we are closer."
One way systems, doing their own make-up (under supervision!), and hugs at 2m. Take a butchers behind-the-scenes, with some familiar faces telling us what work life looks like, in a socially distanced Walford... #backtowork #socialdistancing pic.twitter.com/O6UPT8DSS6
— BBC EastEnders (@bbceastenders) July 1, 2020
The cast are clearly all excited to be back on set, and the new episodes are expected to begin airing in a few months time.
EastEnders recently ran out of filmed episodes and turned to re-airing classic episodes as well as bringing in Stacey Dooley to interview past and present cast members in a series called Secrets of the Square.
EastEnders: Secrets from the Square continues on Monday, July 6 at 8pm on BBC One.
The information in this story is accurate as of the publication date. While we are attempting to keep our content as up-to-date as possible, the situation surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to develop rapidly, so it's possible that some information and recommendations may have changed since publishing. For any concerns and latest advice, visit the World Health Organisation. If you're in the UK, the National Health Service can also provide useful information and support, while US users can contact the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Digital Spy now has a newsletter – sign up to get it sent straight to your inbox.
Looking for more TV recommendations and discussion? Head over to our Facebook Group to see new picks every day, and chat with other readers about what they're watching right now.
You Might Also Like
