TOWIE filming ‘has been cancelled as ITV bosses decide to halt production amid coronavirus pandemic’ after several other TV shows have been thrown into crisis
TOWIE has become the latest TV casualty of the coronavirus pandemic as the show has reportedly cancelled filming.
Show bosses were hoping to continue with filming the new series which was due to begin production next Tuesday.
However, according to The Sun, ITV have decided to delay production on the reality show due to COVID-19, with the hope filming can resume later this year.
Filming: TOWIE has become the latest TV casualty of the coronavirus pandemic as the show has cancelled filming
A source told the publication: ‘There have been lengthy discussions with the cast, and it just wouldn’t have worked without a busy social scene and going to clubs and their shops.
‘So bosses have decided to wait until later in the year when the crisis has calmed down a bit. It’s not worth the risk.
‘TOWIE relies on signature set pieces and glossy events, set in glamorous locations around Essex and involves a big cast of regulars and extras. It’s also all about friendships and relationships, so the social lives of our cast members are at the heart of the show.’
An ITV spokesperson said: ‘After much consideration, it has been decided that the upcoming series of The Only Way Is Essex will be postponed until later in the year.’
Delay: Show bosses were hoping to continue with filming the new series which was due to begin production next Tuesday (Lauren Pope pictured)
The next time the series is back on the small screen will be for the tenth anniversary series which will feature original castmembers Mark Wright and Amy Childs.
TOWIE is far from the only show that has been negatively impacted by the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.
Shows across the nation hang in the balance as the global crisis continues to worsen, with long-running soaps such as Coronation Street, EastEnders and Holby being suspended.
Show: ITV have decided to delay production on the series due to COVID-19, with the hope filming can resume later this year
ITV were also recently forced to postpone The Voice’s live semi-final and grand finale amid the pandemic.
An ITV representative confirmed to MailOnline: ‘We are in a developing and dynamic situation so we’re complying with the guidance from Public Health England and the World Health Organisation to make sure we keep everyone as safe and secure as possible.
‘We have taken the difficult decision to postpone The Voice UK Semi-Final and Final until later this year.
‘We will continue to monitor the situation and announce a new date for these shows, which were due on air on the 28th March and 4th April, in due course.
A source said: ‘There have been lengthy discussions with the cast, and it just wouldn’t have worked without a busy social scene and going to clubs and their shops’
‘This Saturday, the final pre-recorded Knockout episode will air as planned from 8.30pm.
‘We are working to produce two bespoke, clip based specials of The Voice UK to air in place of the Semi Final and Final on the 28th March and the 4th April respectively.’
Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway will air without a studio audience for the first time this weekend, and Loose Women has also aired without a studio audience this week.
Coronavirus was classed a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) last week, leading countries such as Italy, Spain and China to implement nationwide lockdowns.
Sporting events, music festival and other social gatherings have been either cancelled or postponed due to the crisis.
Axed: It comes after ITV were also recently forced to postpone The Voice’s live semi-final and grand finale amid the pandemic