'Emmerdale' halts filming for a day after death of crew member
Emmerdale bosses halted filming this week following the death of a crew member.
The soap is filmed in Leeds and the set includes a purpose-built filming village and numerous indoors studios.
In a statement issued to Digital Spy, a spokesperson for the ITV programme confirmed that the locations were temporarily empty with bosses having halted activity following the sad news.
They said: "Our sincerest and heartfelt condolences go out to the family, friends and loved ones of our colleague.
Read more: Next week's Emmerdale spoilers
"As a mark of respect, we have stood filming down for today. We'd like to abide by the family's wishes for privacy at this very sad time and we'd ask the media to be respectful of this."
ITV has decided against naming the person who has died and there will be no reference to the death before or after tonight’s episode.
The Emmerdale set was one of many filming locations which temporarily shut down last year as the pandemic took hold.
The soap’s cast and crew were sent home for an indefinite period of time last March, as were those working on Coronation Street, EastEnders and Holby City.
They then staged a “phased-return” to the set – which was given a small makeover to allow for Covid-safe and socially-distanced filming – in May.
On screen, the village’s residents were affected by the pandemic. Lockdown specials, which aired in June last year, revealed how Emmerdale’s much-loved characters had coped with issues including furlough, loneliness, shielding and grief.
The soap's regular schedule then resumed in July.
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