Radio 4 soap The Archers is being cut from six to five episodes a week due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Production on TV and radio programmes in the UK is slowly grinding to a halt following government advice calling for people to avoid non-essential contact.

Last week the BBC suspended filming on continuing dramas including EastEnders and Casualty and now the corporation has confirmed it will cut down the number of The Archers episodes to keep the soap on the airwaves for as long as possible.

In a statement, the BBC said: "From 22 March until the end of April, The Archers will reduce from six to five episodes per week with the Friday episode replaced in the schedule. A shorter omnibus will continue to broadcast on Sundays."

Radio 4 will also air classic episodes of I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue and Just A Minute featuring the late Nicholas Parsons.