‘We warned everyone: do not go near Tom Cruise!’ How Covid sent British TV haywire, five years on

From chatshows in spare bedrooms to the sheer terror of infecting Hollywood megastars, making television in lockdown became utterly wild. The insiders tell all
Nearly four years ago, back when Holly Willoughby and Philip Schofield were still mates, and both still employed by ITV, it felt normal to watch the two This Morning hosts get emotional as they embraced through a “cuddle curtain” – a thick sheet of plastic with arm sockets. “Why does it feel like we’re in prison?” laughed Schofield. “This is what the internet was made for!” yelled guest Ant McPartlin, sitting on the sofa a safe two metres away.
It was proof that coronavirus had turned television completely upside down.
Continue reading...
Read more at The Guardian
Topics
-
This is how we do it: ‘After mutual cancer diagnoses we didn’t have sex for five years. Then we discovered toys …’
Jill and Bob became more like housemates than lovers during an illness-enforced break, but a delivery of sex toys brought back the fun How do you do it? Share the story of your sex life, ...The Guardian - Mar. 8 -
Couples Who Married During the Covid Pandemic Reflect Five Years Later
Five years later, four couples who married at the peak of Covid quarantine share how their relationships were shaped and where they are today.The New York Times - Mar. 8 -
‘I don’t feel part of society’: how Covid is still taking its toll five years on
The social, educational and financial impact is still making itself felt, especially for those who continue to mourn. Five years ago, on 11 March 2020 the World Health Organization (WHO) declared ...The Guardian - 5d -
5 years on, what we learned from the COVID pandemic response
It's been five years since COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic, driving billions of people indoors and killing more than a million people in the U.S. Dr. Jon LaPook examines what lessons we can ...CBS News - 2d -
‘We have ignored lessons’: how Covid continues to affect lives five years later
The ways the pandemic has shaken Guardian readers’ worlds – from new businesses to difficulty socialising. It’s been five years since the Trump administration declared a nationwide emergency ...The Guardian - 3d -
From Covid to today: five years that changed our money
With the anniversary of the first lockdown approaching, inflation and market volatility are now facts of financial lifeFinancial Times - 2d -
What we still don't know about COVID 5 years after the WHO declared a pandemic
Five years after the WHO declared COVID to be a pandemic, questions remain including how many people have died.ABC News - 5d -
Long Covid still an issue 5 years after global pandemic began
Five years ago, the World Health Organization declared Covid a global pandemic, but many people are still living with the symptoms of long Covid. Nearly 7% of adults who contracted the virus in the ...NBC News - 5d -
We Were Badly Misled About Covid
Five years after the start of Covid, we still don’t know the truth.The New York Times - 17h
More from The Guardian
-
Kremlin confirms Trump-Putin call on Tuesday as European leaders question Russia’s intentions – Europe live
Russian leader and US president to speak by phone and discuss Ukraine ceasefire plan. Mark Carney, the new Canadian prime minister, has arrived in Paris on his first stop of a visit to France ...The Guardian - 30m -
Houthis and US both vow escalation after wave of deadly American airstrikes in Yemen – Middle East crisis live
US says airstrikes are intended to deter rebel group from attacking Red Sea shipping. Germany is pledging a further €300m ($326m; £252m) in aid for Syrians through the UN and select organisations, ...The Guardian - 38m -
Canada PM Carney visits France and UK as Trump trade war deepens
Carney aims to bolster European alliances in wake of US president’s attacks on Canada’s sovereignty. Mark Carney, the new Canadian prime minister, has arrived in Paris on his first stop of a visit ...The Guardian - 1h -
Italy one of five ‘dismantlers’ causing ‘democratic recession’ in Europe, report says
Civil liberties report warns that Italy along with Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania and Slovakia intentionally undermining rule of law ‘in nearly all aspects’. Italy’s government has profoundly ...The Guardian - 8h -
Japan to deploy long-range missiles able to hit North Korea and China
Planned missiles on Kyushu said to be part of ‘counterstrike capabilities’, as fears grow over US security pact. Japan is planning to deploy long-range missiles on its southern island of Kyushu ...The Guardian - 36m
More in World
-
Ryanair flight stuck circling Wigan for almost an hour before diversion back to Manchester
Yahoo News - 18m -
Ryanair flight stuck circling Wigan for almost an hour before diversion back to Manchester
Yahoo News - 18m -
Kremlin confirms Trump-Putin call on Tuesday as European leaders question Russia’s intentions – Europe live
Russian leader and US president to speak by phone and discuss Ukraine ceasefire plan. Mark Carney, the new Canadian prime minister, has arrived in Paris on his first stop of a visit to France ...The Guardian - 30m -
China plans to ‘vigorously boost consumption’ to shore up economy
Communist party aims to ‘promote reasonable wage growth’ and to reduce financial burdens amid Trump tariffs. Business live – latest updates China’s government has announced ambitious plans to ...The Guardian - 31m -
False claims about Ethiopia’s pursuit of Red Sea access add to tensions with Eritrea
Yahoo News - 33m