THE Coronavirus pandemic has halted production on the third series of award-winning comedy show Derry Girls.
Channel 4 has confirmed that production of the show would be temporarily delayed until the crisis eases.
A number of other television programmes have already been forced to curtail their output because of the virus.
Derry Girls has been a massive success for Channel 4’s recent comedy sector.
The series focuses on the lives of four teenage Derry girls and an English cousin against the back drop of the troubles.
The lives, loves and irreverent humour of Michelle, Erin, Clare, Orla and English cousin James have proved hugely successful with TV audiences.
Following a positive reception on its initial broadcast, Derry Girls won an international following when it was included on Netflix.
The show has led to an unusual tourism off-shoot in Derry where tour operators have reported an interest in visiting areas of the city included in the series.
A huge mural showing the main cast members in the city centre has also proved popular with visitors keen to have a selfie picture taken at the site.
While the story lines for the next series are being kept a closely guarded secret, the comedy show will focus on the post-1995 lives of the team as they move into peace-time Derry.
Derry Girls mural in Derry
It is understood writing of the next series has been completed by Derry creator and script writer, Lisa McGee.
There were plans to start filming the third series in Derry next month but all production has been put on hold.
A Channel 4 spokeswoman said: “Following advice from Public Health England, production on Derry Girls has halted temporarily.
“Filming will be rescheduled as soon as the situation has stabilised.”
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