The drastic decision has been made in response to Government advice on the coronavirus pandemic

Filming on BBC Studios dramas including Casualty, Doctors, Holby City, Pobol y Cwm and River City are to be postponed “until further notice”, the BBC has said.

It comes after the broadcaster also announced EastEnders would be reduced from four episodes a week to just two in order to ‘ration out’ the programme for as long as possible after filming has ceased.

The corporation said: “In light of the spread of Covid-19, after much consideration, it has been decided that filming on all BBC Studios continuing dramas will be postponed until further notice.

“The decision was made after the latest Government update. We will continue to follow the latest news and advice from the World Health Organisation and public health organisations.”

EastEnders will be reduced to just two episodes a week (Image: BBC)

In a statement about EastEnders, a BBC spokesperson added: “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.”

Production on major BBC shows including Line of Duty, Silent Witness and Peaky Blinders has already stopped.