Coronation Street star Andy Whyment has revealed that the soap has been frantically rewriting scripts in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

The soap is continuing to film future episodes but has cut its weekly episode count from six down to three in order to keep the show on air for as long as possible if production is shut down in the near future.

Posting on Twitter, Whyment - Kirk Sutherland on the show - wrote: "So ready for a drink tonight been a tough week at work with rewrites and changes with some cast members having to self isolate.

"I just want to say I'm so proud of everyone @coronationstreet the way people have mucked in this week has been incredible and shows how much love there is for the show.

"It's a mad situation we all find ourselves in but we'll get through this, stay safe everyone ❤️❤️❤️."

Yesterday ITV issued a statement asking viewers for 'understanding' as upcoming episodes to mark Easter and VE Day will air later than planned due to the scheduling changes.