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EastEnders has been plunged into crisis as production halts filming new episodes in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

A spokesperson that the amount of episodes broadcast each week will be reduced from four to two in order to keep audiences enjoying the BBC soap for as long as possible.

Episodes will now air on Mondays at 8pm and Tuesdays at 7:30pm only with immediate effect.

The statement read: "In light of the spread of Covid-19, after much consideration, it has been decided that filming on EastEnders will be postponed until further notice. The decision was made after the latest government update.

(Image: BBC)

"We will continue to follow the latest news and advice from the World Health Organisation and Public Health England.

"We have also taken the decision to reduce the amount of episodes we broadcast each week to two, so that we can ensure the audience can continue to enjoy EastEnders in their homes for as long as possible."

Yesterday, the Mirror revealed that EastEnders executive producer Jon Sen talked to key cast about whether they wanted to plough or go home as filming on other dramas was halted.

Episodes are typically filmed six weeks in advance and it is not yet clear how many the BBC have ready to air.

(Image: BBC) (Image: Daily Mirror)

It has also been announced today that filming on all major BBC dramas has stopped in response to the pandemic.

The list includes Casualty, Doctors, Holby City, Pobol y Cwm and River City.

Other dramas including Line of Duty, Silent Witness and Peaky Blinders have already halted filming.