The government has given UK soaps the all-clear to start filming new episodes where it is safe to do so.

The four major soaps - Coronation Street, EastEnders, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks - shut down production in mid-March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

As a result, all four are on the verge of dropping off the air over the next two months once all previously-recorded episodes have been broadcast.

Under the government's new plans to begin easing the lockdown, soaps have the green light to film new episodes with immediate effect - although cast and crew must maintain social distancing measures on set.

None of the four main soaps has yet to reveal when it will resume filming, although if Coronation Street begins shooting new material in short order it may avoid dropping off air at the end of next month.

Even when production does start up again, there is speculation that older cast members may be kept off air until the coronavirus outbreak has substantially subsided.