Peaky Blinders and Line Of Duty halt filming amid coronavirus pandemic 

Filming on some of the country’s biggest TV shows has been cancelled, while Hollywood movies have delayed production in the UK as the coronavirus pandemic spreads.

It was announced on Monday that filming for series six of Line of Duty has been suspended, while Peaky Blinders has postponed shooting for its sixth series.

Meanwhile Fantastic Beasts 3 was due to start shooting in London on Monday but production on the major film has been suspended. 

The official Twitter account for hit BBC police drama Line Of Duty confirmed on Monday that cast and crew have been sent home from set, amid filming for the sixth series.

Shooting began in Belfast on February 17, but a statement explained: ‘In light of the spread of Covid-19, after much consideration, @worldprods are suspending filming of #LineofDuty S6 with the support of the BBC. We will keep you updated with further developments in due course. Thank you.’

Vicky McClure, who stars as DCI Fleming in the drama, alongside Martin Compston and Adrian Dunbar, retweeted the message, adding: ‘Look out for one another xxx’.

Another BBC hit, Peaky Blinders, which shoots primarily in and around Liverpool and Leeds, also announced Monday that it is postponing production on series six over fears about coronavirus.

Posted on the programme’s Instagram account, a message read: ‘After much consideration, and in light of the developing situation concerning Covid-19, the start of production of Peaky Blinders series 6 has been postponed.’

‘Huge thanks to our incredible cast and crew, and to all our amazing fans for their continued support.’ 

Both Peaky Blinders and Line Of Duty were thought to be returning to screens later in 2020.

Production on major Hollywood movies has also been affected with Deadline reporting on Sunday that Warner Bros has decided not to commence with filming for the anticipated third Fantastic Beasts film, an offshoot of the mega money-making Harry Potter franchise.   

Filming on the David Yates directed film, based on the work of JK Rowling, was due to start in London on Monday, with a planned release date of November 12 2021.  

On Friday it was reported the studio has temporarily suspended production of The Batman – the reboot which stars Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne.

‘Warner Bros. Pictures feature production of The Batman will be on a two-week hiatus starting today. The studio will continue to monitor the situation closely,’ the company said in a statement, reported Deadline.

Production of the movie began in London in January, but was about to move locations to Liverpool, according to The Hollywood Reporter. 

Jurassic World: Dominion – the third film in the new series had been shooting in London since February, but has been shut down as part of Universal’s mass shutterings, with its June 2021 release date possibly in doubt. 

The entertainment industry has been thrown into chaos as coronavirus (COVID-19) worsens across the UK.

Cultural events around the country have been cancelled because of the virus, which has infected 1,372 and killed 35 in the UK at time of publication, amid warnings large public gathering could help the virus thrive and spread. 

London’s West End has been left empty over cancelled bookings, musicians have postponed gigs and even Glastonbury’s 50th anniversary festival in June hangs in the balance. 

MailOnline has investigated how the the entertainment industry has been affected by the coronavirus so far. 

How the coronavirus is affecting the TV and film industry 

On Friday, The Jeremy Vine Show became the first UK TV show to cancel live studio audiences amid the coronavirus pandemic.

It comes after Orlando Bloom announced that production on series two of his hit Amazon Prime series Carnival Row in Prague has been halted amid the coronavirus outbreak. 

Across America, major broadcasters have cancelled studio audiences, with some even halting production altogether, amid the pandemic.

The Jeremy Vine Show was the first UK TV show to cancel live studio audiences ‘for the time being’ with a spokesperson telling MailOnline that they have made the decision – which will take effect on Monday – ‘as a precautionary measure.’ 

ITV daytime show Loose Women followed suit on Monday, filming the live show without a studio audience. 

The response from other UK broadcasters to the outbreak has been much softer in comparison, with most continuing to welcome studio audiences, allowing ticket holders to ‘attend shows unless they have any symptoms or have been informed that they have had contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19.’ 

Many shows including BBC’s Question Time and The One Show, Countdown on Channel 4 and Channel 5’s The Jeremy Vine Show are filmed in front of live studio audiences across the UK.

As coronavirus sweeps the world MailOnline has investigated how the UK’s major broadcasters are currently responding. 

The Jeremy Vine Show 

The Jeremy Vine Show revealed to MailOnline that the decision has been made to cease hosting a live studio audience, usually made up of around 20 people.

A spokesperson for the Channel 5 programme said: ‘As a precautionary measure we have taken the decision not to have a live studio audience for The Jeremy Vine show for the time being.

‘This decision will take effect from Monday. We will continue to monitor and review official guidelines and advice.’ 

BBC 

According to the BBC website, the public service broadcaster is following measures based on Public Health England advice, in regards to continuing to invite audience members to live filming.

They ask: ‘If you have been to a category 1 specified country/area, you should self-isolate and not attend the production or visit our buildings.

‘If you have been to a category 2 specified country/area you do not need to undertake any special instructions and can attend a BBC production or building, however if you feel unwell and are demonstrating signs and symptoms that are associated with Coronavirus, then you should self-isolate and call NHS 111 for further advice.’

The official message concludes that guests can still visit the BBC, unless they ‘have been informed’ that they have had contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.’

Specifically, the website stated: ‘Based on current advice you can visit the BBC, as a guest, audience member, and contributor unless you have been informed that you have had contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19. Contact NHS 111 if you have any queries.’

Deadline reported that the BBC are in fact looking into ways to vet studio audience members. 

ITV and Channel 4 

Elsewhere, websites such as Applause Store and SRO Audiences are still actively taking bookings from the general public to attend the filming of major shows filmed for ITV and Channel 4.

At the time of publication, Lost In TV was offering the public free tickets to be in the studio audience for Dave TV panel show Mel Giedroyc: Unforgivable without any warnings, but posted a coronarivus guidance link above selecting tickets to attend new BBC show Take Off with Bradley and Holly.

At the time of publication, Applause Store was offering no advice at all on their website and was still allowing bookings to be taken for shows, including Ant And Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway and Celebrity Juice on ITV for dates in March.

However, SRO Audiences – who offers tickets to the likes of ITV’s Loose Women, Channel 4’s The Last Leg – are following a similar approach to the BBC and offer a warning.

SRI Audiences have stipulated on their website that people with symptoms, or those who have been informed that they have had contact with someone who has tested positive, may not book tickets.

Their website reads: ‘Based on current advice, you may still book tickets and attend shows unless you have any symptoms or have been informed that you have had contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19.’

On Saturday ITV confirmed that the latest episode of Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway would go ahead as planned with a live audience, though it was also announced that the finale trip to Disney World in Florida had been cancelled, with prize winners expected to embark on the trip at a later date.

Broadcasters stressed to MailOnline that they are closely monitoring Public Health England and World Health Organisation advice.

MailOnline has contacted BBC, ITV, and Channel 4 for comment. 

Presenter James Corden also took to Twitter on Friday to announce that he would be suspending production on The Late Late Show in the US until further notice, following the footsteps of various US shows who have shut down due to the virus dears.

He posted: ‘After much deliberation we’ve decided to suspend The Late Late Show for the time being. We really explored every option to try and put on a show for you, but right now feel the safest thing to go is to stop for a moment and take advice further down the line. Stay safe out there xx.’

Russell Brand also tweeted that he would be cancelling all of his future tour dates, writing: ‘Due to rapidly evolving challenges and guidelines related to travel and gathering, I am postponing all tour dates until we better understand coronavirus and how to contend with it. I hope I see you soon.’

How the coronavirus is affecting gigs and concerts   

Celine Dion is the latest music star to cancel gigs amid the global coronavirus outbreak.

The Canadian singer, 51, announced on her official Twitter account on Thursday: ‘Céline Dion #CourageWorldTour dates postponed in North America. Show dates from March 24 through April 27, 2020 to be rescheduled. – Team Céline.’ 

The news came just one day after the Canadian superstar, 51, postponed two concerts because she is suffering from a cold. She reassured her fans that she did not have COVID-19.

Celine leads a long list of stars cancelling gigs amid the pandemic, which currently includes The Who, Madonna, Mariah Carey, Stormzy, Green Day and Mabel.

How the coronavirus is affecting festivals 

BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend 

It was announced on Friday that BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend, which was due to take place in Dundee over the late May bank holiday (22– 24 May), had been cancelled.

The annual event was set to see Harry Styles, Dua Lipa, Calvin Harris and Camila Cabello perform in the Scottish city.   

A spokesperson said: ‘After careful consideration we have come to the decision that Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2020 in Dundee will not go ahead. 

‘This decision has been made in conjunction with our event partners, in line with the advice from the Scottish government, and while we know fans looking forward to purchasing tickets will be disappointed, it is important that we prioritise the health and safety of all those involved.’

Glastonbury

There are also growing concerns among music fans in Britain that the virus could stop the five-day Glastonbury 50th anniversary festival in late June, where 200,000 people are expected.

Adrian Coombs, Glastonbury Festival’s Head of Event Operations, said: ‘Glastonbury Festival thoroughly plans each year’s event, and puts in place all necessary measures to protect the public and maximise safety

‘We work closely with all of the relevant agencies, including Public Health England and the NHS, and always review our plans as any circumstances change.

‘With this in mind and with our 2020 Festival still 16 weeks away, we continue to plan and prepare for the event, whilst at the same time closely monitoring developments with the coronavirus situation.’

203,000 people attended 2019’s event at Worthy Farm, though it has been suggested that it could grow even bigger in the future. Lana Del Rey will headline with Sir Paul McCartney, Taylor Swift and Diana Ross.

Edinburgh International Festival 

The Edinburgh International Festival has announced that it is cancelling all its launch events, due to take place from 18 to 25 of March, in response to the coronavirus pandemic. 

The festival, which was set to run in both Edinburgh and London, will instead broadcast a live digital event on its Facebook page on the 18 March at 12pm where viewers can ask questions to the programming team.   

Festival Director Fergus Linehan said: ‘In light of the current Coronavirus outbreak, we will cancel all gatherings associated with our 2020 programme launch. Prioritising the wellbeing of our city, our audiences and artists, all launch events will shift online to an interactive format.

‘At this point, the Festival is almost five months away. For now we remain committed to running the International Festival as planned. In hope that the pandemic will be curbed by August, we must continue to provide security for our artists and for our sector. 

‘We hope that in August, our Festival will provide a much-needed moment of joy after what will have been a challenging summer. To reassure our audiences, we have also revised our refunds policy to offer anyone with Coronavirus-related concerns a ticket refund.’ 

The 2020 programme will be announced next week with the actual festival taking place from 7-31 of August in Edinburgh.   

How the coronavirus is affecting the West End and theatres

Despite New York Governor, Andrew Cuomo, closing Broadway with almost immediate effect and banning gatherings of 500 or more people, London’s West End has remained open.   

An insider has revealed how ticket sales to popular theatre shows and musicals in the England capital have been affected by coronavirus, with cancellation rates among foreign tourists who are cancelling their travel plans to London on the rise.

A look at last minute theatre ticket retailer Today Tix shows a number of tickets available to see sell-out show Hamilton as soon as today, while a ticket at the end of the month costs as little as £62.50.

Meanwhile the cheapest tickets to see Wicked this month – a 2003 Broadway musical by Stephen Schwartz – are retailing for as little as £15.

Speaking to FEMAIL, a bookings operator revealed: ‘Today several cancellations for Hamilton mean four tickets are on sale for the show which is unusual.

‘We have definitely seen a change in sales since coronavirus hit. There has been an increase in tourists who were due to fly in from abroad cancelling their tickets for popular shows such as Mary Poppins.

‘Lots of venues are now asking for proof when customers are cancelling due to the travel ban.

‘As a result more new customers are asking cancellations and resell tickets’.

Meanwhile, The Stage reports that The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) has confirmed that all their performances on tour, London and Stratford-upon-Avon are still going ahead.

Although the company did add that they have experienced a ‘drop in bookings and customer cancellations’. 

The publication also states that Shakespeare’s Globe is still going ahead with its special Playing Shakespeare with Deutsche Bank schools project for young people.

Although the theatre company insisted that they are ‘undertaking additional cleaning and disinfecting measures’.

Waitress stars Sara Bareilles and Gavin Creel also broke the sad news to fans that they would be cutting short their stint in the show to fly back to the US early. 

They wrote: ‘It is with a heavy heart that I write this letter to inform you that Gavin and I will be playing out final performance the evening of March 14.

‘Given the recent international travel restrictions, we’ve made the very difficult decision, before any further measures are implemented, to return home. It was an agonising choice as we have loved out time here at the Adelphi diner, the warmth and generosite of the West End audiences has been unparalelled.

It was a gift to get the opportunity to tell this story again alongside this masterful cast, crew and band. We will miss you all dearly. Sugar Butter London Forever, Sara and Gavin.’

How it is affecting staff

Meanwhile, a London West End worker, who wishes to remain anonymous, told MailOnline: ‘Arriving at work there was a strange atmosphere lingering: for many of us, it was a feeling of relief, we are here and we are thankful that we are still working in order to pay our rent and bills. 

‘There was also an underlying sense of fear among us all. Fear not just from whether or not our jobs are safe and whether we will be paid if theatres are closed, but fear due to the lack of certainty in terms of our health.’

They added: ‘Over the past few days, we’ve had an increasing amount of staff call in sick, with flu-like symptoms, and terrible coughs and nothing has been told to us on what the theatre’s plans are and what it means for the well-being of the patrons that enter the theatre and for us. 

‘Some staff have been waiting on coronavirus tests and in that time nothing has been done to step up measures to ensure all of the workforce and public’s safety. Also, the lack of staff means the pressure is heightened for those of us at work.’

The insider continued: ‘Our health concerns are not being seriously addressed. I recently covered at a theatre in the west end for a sold-out show, of almost 1300 people, and was alarmed that they did not have sanitiser or soaps on the bars.

‘When I asked the other staff about it, they said they had already reported it weeks before to their supervisor team and nothing had been done.’ 

They concluded: ‘The majority of us are on zero-hour contracts but work full-time hours. If theatres close down, which they need to, where will our income come from? Questions asked to management teams with no answers. 

‘We have had no information on anything over the past few weeks, we do not know what will happen if the theatres are closed for a given amount of time.’    

Film industry  

Orlando Bloom

On Thursday Orlando Bloom announced that production on series two of his hit Amazon Prime series Carnival Row has been halted amid the coronavirus outbreak.

The actor posted a video on Instagram on Thursday from the Prague set of the show, surrounded by his castmates as he said: ‘It’s farewell from us as we go home to be quarantined.’ 

The British actor, who is expecting his first child with fianceé Katy Perry, added that production had shut down to allow cast and crew to head home to the US ahead of President Trump’s travel ban from Europe, which came into effect from midnight on Friday. 

‘We’re coming home to the States, at least I’m coming home to the States because we want to get in before the quarantine,’ he explained as his co-stars toasted the news with shots in the background. 

‘Big love everybody, stay safe out there. Self quarantine. It seems really crazy actually this whole corona thing but do the right thing by you and your family and stay safe.’

The actor, who looked in good spirits, ended the video by declaring: ‘A few weeks, we’ll beat this bad boy.’

Orlando stars in the Amazon series with Cara Delevingne, with filming taking place in Prague and Dubrovnik among other European locations. 

Tom Hanks

Actor Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson tested positive for the novel coronavirus, they revealed on Wednesday night. 

The Forrest Gump actor and his wife, both 63, announced the positive test results on Instagram urging the public to ‘take care’. 

The couple are currently in Gold Coast, Australia where the Oscar winner is filming an untitled Baz Luhrmann-directed Elvis Presley film produced by Warner Bros.

Hanks revealed he and his wife experienced symptoms including the common cold, body aches and chills before they decided to get tested.

Professor Jonathan Shalit OBE told MailOnline: ‘It’s devastating. Beyond devastating. The dire financial consequences are virtually incalculable.

‘The real victims will be the tens of thousands of small and micro businesses and millions of thousands of people who rely on trade, employment and income from these places of entertainment big and small – whether the massive open air event for hundreds of thousands of people to the small local event in a pub or local hall.

 ‘The coming months will be the worst and most scary financial times in the lives of all born in post second world war Britain.

‘The positive though is when the UK bounces back, which it will, for those whose businesses have survived, a massive financial boom will follow, as people will want to be entertained and crave fun times again.’