ITV to pause broadcasting to honour second 'Clap for our Carers' event

The Clap for our Carers event is set to take place Thursday at 8pm. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images)
The Clap for our Carers event is set to take place Thursday at 8pm. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images)

ITV will halt broadcasting on Thursday evening to honour the second ‘Clap for our Carers’ event.

It comes after thousands across the UK clapped from their doorsteps and windows to show their support for the NHS and other frontline staff last week.

ITV will switch off the channel to urge the public to applaud the key workers before programming resumes with The Martin Lewis Money Show.

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Carolyn McCall, chief executive at ITV, said: “ITV is joining the rest of the country in thanking everyone in the NHS and carers who are doing such a vital and fantastic role - so we will pause our programming at 8pm to applaud the heroes within the NHS for the remarkable efforts they are making, and raise as much money for NHS charities as we can thanks to our viewers’ generosity.”

General view of MediaCityUK in Manchester
MediaCityUK in Manchester

The ‘Clap for our Carers’ movement in the UK was the brainchild of Annemarie Plas.

She said of ITV's new plans: “I am really delighted that ITV is backing the initiative to clap for all who there are out there taking care of us, and helping keep that Thursday 8pm moment alive.”

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Meanwhile, the BBC are intending to air live coverage of the nation showing their appreciation, as the broadcaster did for the event's debut.

Barbara Leigh, aged 93, (second left) rings a bell for the NHS, with her family who are all staying together throughout the lockdown, from their front garden across the road from Wythenshawe Hospital on March 26, 2020 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
Barbara Leigh, 93, rings a bell for the NHS, with her family who are all staying together throughout the lockdown. (Getty Images)

As a result, Question Time will air at the slightly later time of 8.05pm as well as being shortened to 55 minutes.

Thousands up and down the UK joined in last week, including members of the Royal Family.

Princess Charlotte and Princes George and Louis were captured taking part too, as the trio clapped along in a video.