Neighbours filming shuts down again due to coronavirus

By Neil Wilkes, Editor-in-chief | 2mo

Neighbours shuts down filming for the second time in a week due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Neighbours has shut down filming for a second time due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The Aussie soap was forced to shut down for a few days last week after a crew member reported coming into contact with someone who had tested positive for the deadly disease.

Filming resumed on Monday after the crew member in question was given the all-clear, however the decision was taken to shut down the soap again today, bringing forward a scheduled production break in April by a week.

A spokesperson told TV Tonight: "To allow us to refine the Neighbours production model in light of the current Government restrictions in place, Fremantle has decided to start its planned Easter break one week earlier than scheduled.

"The series will break for two weeks from the end of shoot this evening. The health, safety and well-being of our cast and crew and all involved on the series is our priority. Production is planned to resume April 14 with no interruption to on-air delivery."

Neighbours' UK broadcaster Channel 5 has already taken the decision to reduce the show to two episodes a week from next week in order to keep it on air for as long as possible in the event of a longer-term shutdown.