Coronation Street has confirmed plans to write out several of its cast members as part of the show's response to the coronavirus outbreak.

Earlier today it was confirmed that the BBC have decided to suspend filming on its continuing dramas, including EastEnders and Casualty, but ITV have yet to follow suit with Corrie and Emmerdale.

Instead the show is following current government advice that everyone over the age of 70 should self-isolate at home, meaning that veteran Corrie actors Bill Roache (Ken Barlow), Barbara Knox (Rita Tanner) and Sue Nicholls (Audrey Roberts) are now unable to film further scenes.

Malcolm Hebden (Norris Cole), Rula Lenska (Claudia Colby) and Maureen Lipman (Evelyn Plummer) are also being temporarily written out of the show.

Due to production timetables, the characters are expected to remain on screen until May.