Coronation Street producers have reportedly come up with a back-up plan should coronavirus lockdown restrictions tighten further in Manchester.
After a shutdown of over two months because of the initial lockdown, Corrie resumed filming in a new COVID-safe environment in June, enabling the show to avoid going off air - unlike rivals EastEnders and Hollyoaks.
The soap has been airing just three times a week for the last few months but due to the return to production there are now enough new episodes in the tank to enable a return to six episodes a week from the middle of next month.
However, potential spanners in the works in the months ahead include a UK-wide second wave and a return to more stringent lockdown measures, as well as a localised tightening of measures in Manchester, where some restrictions have already been reimposed.
According to The Sun, ITV has developed a back-up plan to keep the soap filming in the event of another lockdown, quarantining cast and crew together at a hotel in Salford.
"With the current rules and the strict behaviour of cast and crew on set, they're fine as they are," a source told the newspaper. "But if the rules are tightened the bosses have discussed putting up cast and crew if they are living in affected areas.
"They're hoping it won't come to it as they're behaving impeccably on set, but there are contingency plans just in case."
A Corrie spokeswoman said: "The new lockdown restrictions in Greater Manchester don't affect the workplace.
"We have measures in place that are working well and we will not have to change how we are filming. We continue to maintain our health and safety protocols to ensure everyone can work safely."
Coronation Street is approaching a crucial point in production for the year, with older cast members due to return to work next month and filming of the milestone 60th anniversary episodes fast approaching.
Neil Wilkes
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