Older cast members could reportedly film some scenes from their homes when Coronation Street resumes full production next month.
The soap stopped producing new episodes in March as the coronavirus lockdown kicked in but is gearing up for a return to work on June 1 under new health and safety guidelines.
Cast aged 70 and older are not expected to return to set, however, with Bill Roache this week admitting that it could be "some time" before Ken Barlow is back on the cobbles.
According to The Sun, ITV is keen to ensure that the characters do not disappear completely and is "considering" shooting some scenes from their homes in a safe way.
Corrie celebrates its historic 60th anniversary in December and producers are determined that the likes of Roache and Barbara Knox (Rita) will be part of the occasion.
"The celebrations would have felt a little empty if the stars who have helped make the soap such a hit for six decades weren't involved," a source told the newspaper.
"So there are no lengths they will not consider to make this happen – though their number-one priority, of course, is the safety of the soap's family of legends."
Corrie has enough episodes in reserve to keep it on air until early July, and there remains a small chance that new episodes could be filmed quickly enough to prevent it from going off air.
Neil Wilkes
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