ITV postpones live shows to later in the air
The Voice UK has postponed their live shows to later in the year as the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic spreads quickly across Britain.
ITV confirmed the news today as they announced their plans for all their daytime and entertainment shows with the coronavirus shutting down most of the country.
“We are in a developing and dynamic situation so we’re complying with the guidance from Public Health England and the World Health Organisation to make sure we keep everyone as safe and secure as possible,” Carolyn McCall, ITV’s CEO, said in a statement.
“We have taken the difficult decision to postpone The Voice UK Semi-Final and Final until later this year. We will continue to monitor the situation and announce a new date for these shows, which were due on air on the 28th March and 4th April, in due course.”
The knockout stages will air its final episode on Saturday and then the broadcaster will begin to look for shows or specials to air in place of the live semifinal and final respectively.
The news comes after Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway will air without a live audience for the first time in show history as the British government puts restrictions on public gatherings to protect the public and protect any further spread of the virus.
“The health of our own people and those who work with us remains our priority. I would like to thank everybody for the extra efforts being made in every team across ITV. We are also working closely with our partners in the industry to keep our shows on air,” McCall said.
The Voice UK airs Saturdays on ITV.