Coronation Street star Andy Whyment is hoping to return to work at some point in June to avoid the soap dropping off the air.

Filming on the long-running series was brought to a halt last month due to the coronavirus pandemic and ITV immediately began rationing episodes that had already been recorded in order to keep it on air for as long as possible.

The UK-wide lockdown is expected to run until at least next month but even when restrictions are eased, social distancing measures are likely to remain in place in some form for months to come.

Speaking to the United Podcast, Whyment - Kirk Sutherland in the soap - said: "I think we've got until the beginning of July in the can. So we need to get back by the middle of June with a bit of luck otherwise it's going to go off air.

"A lot of the airlines have said they're going to start flying again mid-June so hopefully if that's going to happen then hopefully we should be able to get back to work with a bit of luck so fingers crossed."

More than 2 million people worldwide have now tested positive for COVID-19, with almost 130,000 losing their lives.