Earlier this month, Emmerdale began the first British soap to resume filming after production was halted amid the coronavirus lockdown.
And star Danny Miller has opened up about what it’s like to film socially-distanced scenes amid the special lockdown episodes for the ITV soap, saying that at times it had been ‘difficult’.
Speaking on Wednesday’s Lorraine, the actor, 29, who plays Aaron Dingle also described himself and co-star Jeff Hordley (Cain Dingle) as ‘guinea pigs’ after being the first cast members to begin filming the unique episodes.
Chat: Danny Miller has opened up about what it’s like to film socially-distanced Emmerdale scenes amid the special lockdown episodes for the ITV soap, saying that at times it had been ‘difficult’
Last month it was revealed that Emmerdale’s production team had recorded six new episodes using a pared back crew at the show’s studios in Leeds, with stories focused on characters in lockdown.
ITV confirmed that social distancing measures and safety protocols were put into place and strictly adhered to by the team, with the episodes being recorded over a two-week period.
One of the episodes include a two-hander between Cain and nephew Aaron, with Cain struggling over his feelings for estranged wife Moira, while Aaron becomes angered after his uncle hides a letter by his imprisoned husband Robert Sugden.
Guinea pigs: Speaking on Wednesday’s Lorraine, the actor, 29, who plays Aaron Dingle also described himself and co-star Jeff Hordley (Cain Dingle) as ‘guinea pigs’ after being the first cast members to begin filming the unique episodes
Discussing the filming and how it differs from their usual work, Danny explained: ‘The distance obviously is different. We’re having to abide by rules and stay 2 metres apart.
‘Believe it or not, it’s a lot more difficult for us to just do the everyday work because on top of that we’re in charge of cleaning and looking after our own props. The distance thing between television is kind of unsaid realise because you don’t realise how close you get to the director when you show them your scripts and suddenly you’re there.
‘So there was people who was put in place to kind of be there and ensure that we didn’t get carried away and suddenly face to face. It was difficult, a lot different obviously.
Changes: Discussing the filming and how it differs from their usual work, Danny explained: ‘The distance obviously is different. We’re having to abide by rules and stay 2 metres apart
Difficult: ‘Believe it or not, it’s a lot more difficult for us to just do the everyday work because on top of that we’re in charge of cleaning and looking after our own props’
Meanwhile, the star opened up on making sure they adhered to the rules while filming, telling Lorraine Kelly: ‘Jeff and I were used as guinea pigs if you like. We were very nervous to do this anyway. Not only do you have to keep yourself safe by keeping your distance but make sure you have to make sure you’re keeping everyone else safe too.’
Elsewhere, with both Cain and Aaron having been forced to confront their feelings over their other halves, Danny praised the ITV soap for highlighting the importance of men opening up about their feelings,
He said: ‘The whole lockdown experience and what we’re going through is encouraging us all to do that. I think Emmerdale are very good at picking out the topical stories and kind of creating them into the norm.
Filming: Meanwhile, the star opened up on making sure they adhered to the rules while filming, telling Lorraine Kelly: ‘Jeff and I were used as guinea pigs if you like
‘Cain and Aaron are two characters in Emmerdale who stereotypically in this world that we live in wouldn’t want top talk to each other, and are two alpha males – beer and fighting an all that kind of talk that they do.’
He continued: ‘But when it comes to the aspect of talking, it’s completely different. Aaron is a lot more acceptable and receptive of talking about his feelings whereas Cain isn’t. And myself suffering with anxiety and depression, it’s amazing how a) I was very pleased to be part of it and b) that Emmerdale were tipping their hat to mental health.’
Previously speaking about the lockdown episodes, Executive producer Jane Hudson said: ‘Lockdown has created an opportunity for us to focus on what is important in our lives.
Praise: ‘The whole lockdown experience and what we’re going through is encouraging us all to do that. I think Emmerdale are very good at picking out the topical stories and kind of creating them into the norm’
‘When we first discussed commissioning these episodes back in March the writers instantly rose to the challenge.
‘Seven weeks into lockdown and the scripts have an added poignancy and meaning. The response from everyone at Emmerdale to filming these episodes has been fantastic and we’re really grateful for their support.’
While John Whiston – Managing Director of Continuing Drama for ITV Studios and Head of ITV in the North – added: ‘It’s brilliant that Jane and the team at Emmerdale have risen to the challenge of getting these episodes shot using the new protocols for filming drama while observing the government’s social distancing guidelines.
It’s back: Emmerdale became the first British soap to resume filming with a ‘phased return’ starting with six new episodes featuring characters in lockdown
Directed by Ian Bevitt, the six new episodes focus on Cain and Aaron (Jeff Hordley and Danny Miller), Chas and Paddy (Lucy Pargeter and Dominic Brunt), Sam and Lydia (James Hooton and Karen Blick), Marlon, Al and Ellis (Mark Charnock, Michael Wildman and Aaron Anthony), Mandy and Vinny (Lisa Riley and Bradley Johnson), and Jimmy and Nicola (Nick Miles and Nicola Wheeler).
ITV teased the episodes will see ‘resentments and past feuds resurface, old wounds further exposed, relationships scrutinised, with doubts and insecurities laid bare’, with a hint of romance.
Emmerdale airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7pm on ITV.
Precautions: The channel’s Health and Safety team and medical advisers have been working closely with the government to consult on social distancing guidelines