UK soaps are set to begin filming new episodes if all goes well. COVID-19 aka the coronavirus forced a lockdown that halted the British film and television industry on March 23. A source told The Sun that getting the cast and crew back on set by June is the goal. UK soaps like EastEnders, Emmerdale and Coronation Street could hopefully resume production.
Of course, the plan is for everyone to keep their distance and take precautions. Older cast members are also expected to avoid the set entirely for now. ITV suggested their returns would be deemed too risky, so it’s best if they sit on the bench for a while and let the younger actors carry the bulk of the storylines. Safety has to be the priority, particularly for elderly cast members.
The higherups are focused on how to make filming work under these new restrictions. It won’t be an easy task, but it’s necessary for UK soaps to get back in action. If lockdown restrictions are tightened, the plan will obviously be delayed. June is currently what they’re shooting for though, so we’ll see how that works out for them.
With that in mind, will The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful be far behind? That probably depends on your definition of “far behind.” Some soap stars have speculated about returning to work in July or August, which isn’t too far behind the UK all things considered. However, the return of Y&R and B&B could be a bit further behind than that.
According to ABC7 in Los Angeles, LA County officials are recommending the stay-at-home order be extended for the next three months. That could mean the cast of The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful will be stuck at home through much of August. September might be a good time to hope for based on the latest news.
Even so, Y&R and B&B may follow the same restrictions like extra space apart from costars and keeping older cast members off set. That could lead to some interesting story developments and casting shakeups as the shows shift to what’s necessary.
The Young and the Restless fans and The Bold and the Beautiful viewers will be eager to hear when the cast and crew can make more new episodes, so we’ll give you updates. Don’t forget to make CDL your go-to source for crucial soap spoilers, updates, recaps and news.