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'Emmerdale' resumes filming for special lockdown episodes

Emmerdale (ITV)
Emmerdale (ITV)

Emmerdale has resumed filming and will make a set of special lockdown episodes set against the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic.

Production on the ITV soap was paused along with many other shows as a result of the outbreak.

But the cameras are rolling at the soap’s studio in Leeds once again, with social distancing measures in place.

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A total of six special episodes will be recorded over a two-week period and will mainly focus on just two characters – such as Cain and Aaron (Jeff Hordley and Danny Miller) and Chas and Paddy (Lucy Pargeter and Dominic Brunt).

The instalments will be set amid the pandemic, with the weekly Clap For Carers included.

Show bosses have promised viewers will see “resentments and past feuds resurface, old wounds further exposed, relationships scrutinised, with doubts and insecurities laid bare”.

ITV is working within government guidelines, with filming units staying together to work in designated studios and crew using their own sanitised equipment, and office staff continuing to work from home to ensure fewer people on the ground.

There won’t be any location filming, scripts feature a smaller number of actors and there are fewer scenes to avoid camera moves.

Cast members will be doing their own make-up – and even wearing their own clothes where possible.

Read more: Filming on EastEnders to resume

Sam and Lydia (James Hooton and Karen Blick), Marlon, Al and Ellis (Mark Charnock, Michael Wildman, Aaron Anthony), Mandy and Vinny (Lisa Riley and Bradley Johnson) and Jimmy and Nicola (Nick Miles and Nicola Wheeler) will also feature in the special episodes.

Emmerdale’s executive producer Jane Hudson said: “Lockdown has created an opportunity for us to focus on what is important in our lives.

The Emmerdale village set, near Leeds, on the Press day of the soap's 30th anniversary celebrations.
The Emmerdale village set, near Leeds. (ITV)

“When we first discussed commissioning these episodes back in March the writers instantly rose to the challenge. Seven weeks into lockdown and the scripts have an added poignancy and meaning.

“The response from everyone at Emmerdale to filming these episodes has been fantastic and we’re really grateful for their support.”

The new episodes will ensure Emmerdale stays on air in June.