Emmerdale viewers were left confused during Monday’s episode as the actors didn’t appear to adhere to social media and filmed in cafes and hotels.
Fans took to social media to air their thoughts after watching the scenes which came after the ITV soap’s special lockdown episodes.
However, soap fans were no doubt scratching their heads as Emmerdale appeared to air a mix of scenes that were both filmed before the lockdown in March and after they returned to filming recently.
Baffled: Emmerdale viewers were left confused during Monday’s episode as the actors didn’t appear to adhere to social media and filmed in cafes and hotels
The latest instalment of life from the Dales saw characters in and out of the local cafe, as well as character Andrea Tate being seen alive in a hotel after going missing.
The mix of old and new scenes filmed both pre and post lockdown also saw a few minor continuity errors including the police officer sporting a significantly longer beard than before in scenes.
Taking to social media, viewers were quick to notice the difference, with one writing: ‘Catching up on #Emmerdale and the post-lockdown scenes with social distancing are so noticeable. Some differing hairstyles too.’
Confusion: Fans took to social media to air their thoughts after watching the scenes which came after the ITV soap’s special lockdown episodes
While another tweeted: ‘#emmerdale Why is there a lack of social distancing in this episode? I highly doubt all those who came into close contact live together. I think the way you set out to film safely was good but the execution was not great.’
A third person said: ‘Confused with #Emmerdale. How have they had time to film these episodes? Not a mask or social distancing measures in sight. Baffled!’
‘They acknowledge lockdown now no social distancing or anything ??? What’s going on ffs’ questioned a fourth.
Scenes: However, soap fans were no doubt scratching their heads as Emmerdale appeared to air a mix of scenes that were both filmed before the lockdown in March and after they returned to filming recently
Something different: The mix of old and new scenes filmed both pre and post lockdown also saw a few minor continuity errors including the police officer sporting a significantly longer beard than before in scenes
‘That new copper’s beard grew a lot on the way to Home Farm from the hotel #Emmerdale’ wrote a fifth viewer, while another agreed: ‘Jamie got a nice tan and that Cop’s beard grew real quick in the space of a few minutes.’
‘So are these episodes pre lockdown or post lockdown cafe seems to be open with people inside then there’s some barely any socially distance happening with a hotel open’ said another.
With an additional watcher observing: ‘This is weird. We’ve had weeks of lockdown episodes but now they’re in the cafe and now hotels?’
Having their say: Taking to social media, viewers were quick to notice the difference, with one writing: ‘Catching up on #Emmerdale and the post-lockdown scenes with social distancing are so noticeable. Some differing hairstyles too’
The soap previously addressed the potential of slightly different scenes in a statement to Digital Spy, they said: ‘As and when the Government makes further health and safety announcements, we’ll implement those guidelines.
‘Our priority has always been the health and safety of all our colleagues, but hopefully through clever direction, great performances and storytelling the precautions we’re taking in front of the camera won’t be too noticeable to viewers.
‘For those who do notice hopefully they’ll understand and appreciate the circumstances under which we’re filming.’
It comes after Emmerdale fans received a glimpse behind-the-scenes after they were first soap to resume filming during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Transformed: Emmerdale fans received a glimpse behind-the-scenes on the soap’s new socially distanced methods during filming
When production resumed, bosses introduced strict new measures to keep cast and crew safe during filming, including a one-way system, temperature checks on arrival and plastic barriers on cameras.
On Friday’s This Morning, star Lisa Riley took viewers on a tour through the new social distance-friendly studios, as the cast resume filming following the pandemic.
As she arrived at the studio, Lisa explained that all cast and crew must have their temperature checked before entering, and hand sanitiser gel is available at the door.
She then showed the coloured zones that crew use to understand where they can and cannot go, with a green zone designated specifically for script writers.
Actors and crew must follow directions to either the red or blue zone, depending on what scenes they’re filming that day.
Strict: star Lisa Riley took viewers on a tour through the new social distance-friendly studios, which now features perspex guards on the cameras
Safety: She then showed the coloured zones that crew use to understand where they can and cannot go, with a green zone designated specifically for script writers
Lisa – who plays Mandy Dingle on the soap – then revealed that both zones have a designated hair and makeup team waiting in an office, and can be contacted to provide the necessary supplies should the cast need them.
All cast members have to do their own hair and makeup, with the sanitised wardrobe left in their dressing rooms in the correct order it will be worn.
If their makeup ever goes askew, Lisa added that cast members have to follow a one-way system round the building back to their dressing room if anything needs to be changed or corrected.
Safety: Zones have a designated hair and makeup team waiting in an office, and can be contacted to provide the necessary supplies should the cast need them
Depending on which colour zone they’re in, Lisa told viewers, they will only work in one specific studio that day, with marked areas for the directors and cast to stand so they adhere to social distancing.
Even the cameras have perspex guards to keep the crew safe, with the distance between characters hidden thanks to clever editing and filming angles.
Emmerdale continues Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7pm on ITV.
Post lockdown: Emmerdale previously addressed the potential of different scenes as the soap resumed filming after lockdown