Coronavirus has halted production on countless TV shows in recent months, but today brings some encouraging news for motoring fans: the new season of Top Gear will begin filming shortly.

Charlotte Moore, the BBC's Content Director, has said plans are in place to have Paddy McGuinness, Chris Harris, and Andrew "Freddie" Flintoff shooting the new season by the end of June.

She also reassured fans that the new season of Top Gear and long-running BBC soap opera EastEnders – which will also resume production in June – will be made as safely as possible. "Of course, we will be working within government guidelines," Moore said in a blog post. Crews will be strictly limited. Cast members will do their own hair and make-up. Social distancing measures will be in place."

In the meantime, you can check out our recent feature on hosts Freddie Flintoff and Paddy McGuinness here.

Coronavirus has also inspired some creative solutions to TV production in recent months. The Graham Norton Show is currently welcoming guests virtually, while the BBC has announced a new series of Talking Head monologues starring actors including Killing Eve's Jodie Comer and Dame Kristin Scott Thomas, who will observe social distancing guidelines during filming.

Are you looking forward to more Top Gear?