BREAKING NEWS: Channel Seven’s long-running drama Home and Away is the latest TV show to be SHUT DOWN over coronavirus fears
The set of hit TV drama Home and Away has been shut down over coronavirus fears on the day it celebrates its 35th year on air.
On Sunday, Channel Seven said the health and wellbeing of the cast and crew was a priority, and filming would be halted.
‘Seven Studios advised today that it would halt filming of Home and Away immediately,’ a Seven spokesperson said.
Closed for business: On Sunday, Channel Seven’s long-running drama Home and Away became the latest TV show to be SHUT DOWN over coronavirus fears. Pictured: Ray Meagher who plays Alf Stewart
‘It confirmed that no cast or crew had tested positive for COVID-19, but that the decision was made due to the increasing logistical hurdles related to the COVID-19 situation,’ a Channel Seven spokesperson said.
Episodes are expected to remain on air given the show films several months in advance.
It’s not the first Australian TV show to be shutdown over the past week.
On Wednesday, Channel 10 and Fremantle Media shutdown production on Neighbours over coronavirus fears on the exact day it was to celebrates its 35th year on air.
Drama: ‘It confirmed that no cast or crew had tested positive for COVID-19, but that the decision was made due to the increasing logistical hurdles related to the COVID-19 situation,’ said a Channel Seven spokesperson. Pictured: Lynne McGranger who plays Irene Roberts
‘Neighbours has decided to take a short break this week to ensure the production model in place can withstand any potential impact of the urgent COVID-19 situation,’ a Channel 10 spokeswoman said.
The decision to halt production was made after the show’s cast and crew met to discuss their concerns about the pandemic, 10 Daily reported.
The cast and crew returned to work two days later.
Home and Away is expected to remain on air given the show is filmed several months in advance. Pictured: Emily Symons who plays Marilyn Chambers
Drama on set! On Wednesday, Neighbours was shut down over coronavirus fears, a Network Ten spokeswoman confirmed. Pictured (L to R) actors Jane Allsop, Ben Turland, Tim Robards and April Rose Pengilly
Meanwhile, On Sunday, Big Brother Australia shut down production at Manly’s North Head in Sydney while a crew member is being tested for coronavirus.
According to TV Blackbox, the series has been temporarily halted until the staffer’s results are back, after ‘someone they live with tested positive for COVID-19’.
A spokesperson for Endemol Shine Australia, who are producing the pre-recorded reboot of the reality show, issued a statement to the online publication.
Scare: Channel Seven’s Big Brother Australia has shut down production for at least two days while a crew member is tested for coronavirus. Pictured: The new BB house in Manly, Sydney
The statement read, in part: ‘We have been made aware that a Big Brother crew member has been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
‘The crew member is currently feeling well and showing no symptoms of the virus, however is being tested and now self-isolating. As a precaution the site is currently in lock down pending testing and further advice.
As of Sunday, March 22, there were 1,349 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Australia. The virus has resulted in seven deaths
Update: As of Sunday, March 22, there were 1,349 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Australia. The virus has resulted in seven deaths