Home and Away off air in Australia as production halts
It was announced yesterday that production has been halted on Home and Away as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic.
A Seven spokesperson released a statement saying:
Seven Studios advised today that it would halt filming of Home and Away immediately. It confirmed that no cast or crew had tested positive for COVID-19, but that the decision was made due to the increasing logistical hurdles related to the COVID-19 situation.
In further news, Seven today announced that Home and Away has been temporarily removed from Australian TV schedules.
This is to make way for The Latest, an hour long 7NEWS programme airing from 7-8pm:
Anchor Michael Usher will be joined each night by Australia’s government and medical leaders for official updates about the next phases of the pandemic plan, as well as the latest health advice for your whole family.
7NEWS will continue to break into programming to broadcast updates and LIVE press conferences and every detail you need to know in 7NEWS Live at 6.00. Then join Michael Usher for a special one-hour edition of The Latest on COVID-19 from 7NEWS, every night from 7.00 on Seven and 7plus.
When will Home and Away return?
Although the initial announcement stated that Home and Away would be off-air for two weeks, this has since been extended.
The show is currently scheduled to return to screens on Monday 13th April, according to a social media post from Prime7 last updated on 26th March.
Of course, the COVID-19 situation is changing on a regular basis, and we will keep you updated if the return date changes again.
Prior to the production shutdown, several cast and crew members had taken part in their first ‘virtual’ rehearsal on Friday.
Stars Penny McNamee (Tori), Emily Symons (Marilyn) and Georgie Parker (Roo) were amongst those who posted photos of the online meeting with the show’s directing team.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B977gMGH0ki/
On Monday evening, Channel 7 posted a video on their Twitter account, featuring stars from many of their shows encouraging the Australian public to stay safe and reminding them that we’re all in this together.
Among the stars featured are Home and Away’s Georgie Parker, James Stewart, Lukas Radovich, Ray Meagher and Sam Frost.