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Celebs Go Dating fans spot "awkwardly-timed" EastEnders shutdown joke

Photo credit: E4
Photo credit: E4

From Digital Spy

Celebs Go Dating fans were surprised to hear what some thought was a joke about EastEnders shutting down production in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

As the E4 series nears its conclusion, a moment in last night's (March 18) episode saw former soap star Dean Gaffney walking down the Caribbean beachfront alongside Made in Chelsea's James Lock.

Strutting his stuff in slow-mo for the VT, the actor glanced down at his watch, as Rob Beckett's voiceover quipped: "Don't worry Deano, EastEnders ain't on for ages!"

Photo credit: E4
Photo credit: E4

Related: Celebs Go Dating features EastEnders reunion as Richard Blackwood gives bizarre advice to Dean Gaffney

It prompted some viewers to wonder whether the comedian's remark was somehow a last-minute addition to reference the BBC show temporarily halting filming due to COVID-19 concerns – despite the soap's decision only being announced earlier that day.

However, Celebs Go Dating confirmed to Digital Spy that the show was recorded before the announcement, and the joke was purely about Dean looking at his watch.

"EastEnders ain't on for ages. Well that was an awkwardly-timed joke," one wrote, while another said: "You mean don't worry deano eastenders has been cancelled?"

EastEnders revealed yesterday that filming had been postponed as it committed to following UK government guidelines over the coronavirus pandemic.

"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," a spokesperson for the show added.

Celebs Go Dating airs on E4. EastEnders usually airs on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays on BBC One, but will just air on Monday and Tuesday for the foreseeable future.


The information in this story is accurate as of the publication date. While we are attempting to keep our content as up-to-date as possible, the situation surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to develop rapidly, so it's possible that some information and recommendations may have changed since publishing.

For any concerns and latest advice, visit the World Health Organisation. If you're in the UK, the National Health Service can also provide useful information and support, while US users can contact the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.


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