Coronation Street forced to rewrite scripts as cast self-isolate as star reveals ‘it’s been tough’


Coronation Street has been forced to rewrite scripts as cast members have self-isolated, says Andy Whyment.

The actor, 38, who plays Kirk Sutherland on the ITV soap took to Instagram on Friday where he revealed it’s been a ‘tough week’ amid the upheaval amidst the coronovirus pandemic.

Alongside a snap of himself and wife Nicola Willis enjoying a beer, the star praised everyone on the show for all pulling together during this difficult time. 

Changes: Coronation Street has been forced to rewrite scripts as cast members have self-isolated, says Andy Whyment

He penned: ‘So ready for a drink tonight been a tough week at work with rewrites and changes with some cast members having to self isolate.

‘I just want to say I’m so proud of everyone @coronationstreet the way people have mucked in this week has been incredible and shows how much love there is for the show.

‘It’s a mad situation we all find ourselves in but we’ll get through this, stay safe everyone ❤️❤️❤️ xxx.’

His co-star Georgiua Taylor, who plays Toyah Battersby was in agreement, as she wrote: ‘Everyone has been incredible haven’t they?

Hard times: The actor, 38, who plays Kirk Sutherland on the ITV soap took to Instagram on Friday where he revealed it's been a 'tough week' amid the upheaval amidst the coronovirus pandemic

Hard times: The actor, 38, who plays Kirk Sutherland on the ITV soap took to Instagram on Friday where he revealed it’s been a ‘tough week’ amid the upheaval amidst the coronovirus pandemic

‘I was saying to Mark tonight how I feel so lucky to work with such an outstanding team. And all done with such good grace and humour xxx.’

With Andy replying: ‘couldn’t agree more we have an amazing cast and crew xx.’ 

Jane Danson, who portrays Leanne Battersby, added: ‘Totally agree. We all worked together at the worst of times. Its been difficult but everyone on and off camera has pulled together. Stay well everyone x.’

Tribute: Alongside a snap of himself and wife Nicola Willis enjoying a beer, the star praised everyone on the show for all pulling together during this difficult time

Tribute: Alongside a snap of himself and wife Nicola Willis enjoying a beer, the star praised everyone on the show for all pulling together during this difficult time

All in this together: He penned: 'So ready for a drink tonight been a tough week at work with rewrites and changes with some cast members having to self isolate

All in this together: He penned: ‘So ready for a drink tonight been a tough week at work with rewrites and changes with some cast members having to self isolate

While Tyrone Dobbs actor Alan Halsall also wrote: ‘Couldn’t agree more mate, just shot the last scene of the week & the spirit was amazing! Tough times as you say & I hope @coronationstreet can keep people entertained!’ 

It comes after both Coronation Street and Emmerdale bosses confirmed that the soap’s planned storylines will be affected by their scheduling changes during the coronavirus pandemic.

An ITV spokesperson revealed that episodes that were planned to air around Easter or VE Day in May will inevitably be shown on a different dates, after cutting back on their weekly broadcasts to ration their filmed episodes.

It comes as the soap industry is hit hard by the recent coronavirus pandemic, with filming of rival soap EastEnders currently suspended until further notice.

Scary: Coronation Street and Emmerdale bosses  confirmed that storylines will be affected the coronavirus pandemic (Samia Longchambon pictured as Maria Connor)

Scary: Coronation Street and Emmerdale bosses  confirmed that storylines will be affected the coronavirus pandemic (Samia Longchambon pictured as Maria Connor)

In their statement a spokesperson told MailOnline: ‘In the coming weeks some episodes of Coronation Street and Emmerdale will understandably be out of kilter due to the temporary transmission pattern for both programmes which takes effect from Monday 30 March.

Which UK shows have stopped filming?

EastEnders

Line Of Duty

Peaky Blinders

Doctors

Casualty

Holby City

River City 

Pobol y Cwm 

Vera 

Call The Midwife 

The Only Way Is Essex 

‘Episodes due to broadcast at Easter and those commissioned and filmed to commemorate VE Day, for instance, won’t now air on the dates we’d anticipated.

‘We’d hope the audience will understand the reasons for this and continue to enjoy the shows.’

Earlier this week Coronation Street and Emmerdale confirmed that along with reducing their weekly broadcasts, they would also re-write certain storylines to exclude elderly cast members, allowing them the chance to self-isolate at home.

Coronation Street will now air just three episodes a week, while Emmerdale will only air five.

The ITV spokesperson also confirmed that despite government advice for residents to avoid social contact in pubs and restaurants, they would be continuing to include scenes in The Rovers Return and Woolpack.

Dramatic: A spokesperson for the soap confirmed that despite government warnings to avoid pubs, they will continue to included scenes featuring bars in their soaps (Emmerdale pictured)

Dramatic: A spokesperson for the soap confirmed that despite government warnings to avoid pubs, they will continue to included scenes featuring bars in their soaps (Emmerdale pictured)

They told MailOnline: ‘Additionally, as both Coronation Street and Emmerdale film many weeks before they air on ITV, episodes will continue to feature scenes set in the Rovers and Woolpack and other communal areas.

‘Although the Government’s latest guidelines indicate that people should avoid such public spaces, we’d ask viewers to make allowances for the fact that filming took place before the coronavirus pandemic… and to make sure they follow the most recent Government’s health advice.’

Corrie and Emmerdale join a long list of programmes that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with many shows including rival soap EastEnders, Casualty, Holby City and Call The Midwife forced to halt filming. 

Halted: It came after ITV bosses confirmed that they would be reducing their weekly Corrie broadcasts from six episodes a week to just three

Halted: It came after ITV bosses confirmed that they would be reducing their weekly Corrie broadcasts from six episodes a week to just three

Cut down: Emmerdale will also be cutting back its weekly broadcasts from seven episodes to five, though both soaps are continuing to film for the time being

Cut down: Emmerdale will also be cutting back its weekly broadcasts from seven episodes to five, though both soaps are continuing to film for the time being