Phillip & Holly Explain Why They're Still Broadcasting Live Despite The UK Coronavirus Lockdown

Phillip & Holly - the show must go on!

Phillip and Holly went live with their ITV show This Morning earlier today despite the UK coronavirus lockdown.

This is unusual considering production on the majority of the channel's lineup has been put on hold.

The presenting duo explained why it is that they're still going live.

 

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Ken McKay/ITV/Rex Features/Shutterstock

A post shared by Phillip Schofield (@schofe) on Jan 29, 2020 at 5:28am PST

Phillip revealed, "The government has classed us as an essential service for the time being."

"To bring you the latest news on the virus, to answer your concerns with our doctors, to offer useful advice and to hopefully lighten the load as only This Morning knows how."

 

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#NTA 2020 with my girl

A post shared by Phillip Schofield (@schofe) on Jan 28, 2020 at 3:23pm PST

Holly chimed in, "We are running with a skeleton staff from now on and with lots of people working from home."

"All our regular behind-the-scenes services have been cut back to an absolute minimum."

They've even been doing their own makeup.

'We are here for you.' 💙@Schofe and @hollywills will be with you until 12:30 and we want to hear from you! If you've seen anything that has raised your spirits or if you have any concerns, let us know! #ThisMorning pic.twitter.com/dudP2rCCnB

— This Morning (@thismorning) March 24, 2020

The duo are also adhering to social distancing guidelines throughout the show.

Holly admitted it feels weird sitting so far away from Phillip.

She said, "I can’t wait for that day when I get to give you a big hug because that’s what we need now."

 

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‘Whatever happens in the future, I’ll be sat by your side ... for ever and ever’ - @hollywilloughby ❤️ #thismorning

A post shared by This Morning (@thismorning) on Feb 7, 2020 at 6:45am PST

ITV lineup

ITV announced over the weekend that they've made the decision to stop broadcasting Lorraine and Loose Women for the time being.

They said, 'This decision has been made to minimise the number of staff travelling in and out of our studios and working together on shift at any one time.'

 

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Welcome back, @lorrainekellysmith! 💕 . . Lorraine wears jumper from @riverisland.

A post shared by Lorraine (@lorraine) on Feb 24, 2020 at 3:25am PST

The channel have decided to run an extended version of Good Morning Britain instead.

This allows Lorraine Kelly to join Piers Morgan for the final hour of the show before handing over to Phillip and Holly.

 

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ITV Daytime has taken the decision to stop broadcasting Loose Women live from tomorrow (Monday 23 March). Instead, we will run some of our favourite repeat episodes of Loose Women from 12.30pm - 1.30pm to give viewers something to smile about each day at lunchtime. Please stay safe. x

A post shared by Loose Women (@loosewomen) on Mar 22, 2020 at 1:01pm PDT

Meanwhile, it's reported Love Island's summer series is still going ahead.

Read more here.