ITV will reportedly film new episodes of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? without a live studio audience as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

The broadcaster is working on ways to make the production comply with government distancing guidelines, which currently require members of different households to maintain a two-metre distance at all times.

That rule means that having a studio audience on the popular quiz show, which is hosted by Jeremy Clarkson, becomes effectively impractical.

"Bosses are keen to get Millionaire back as soon as possible," a source told The Sun. "They're hoping they can get the green light to get Jeremy and contestants back in the studio next month and air in the autumn.

"The next issue is the audience and, if there isn't one, then the lifelines. They've discussed a new lifeline entirely, or giving contestants the opportunity to call two friends for help."

WWTBAM? returned to British screens in 2018 after a four-year absence, with Clarkson replacing long-term presenter Chris Tarrant in the hosting seat.