“We really missed them” – dock10 hosts first audience after coronavirus lockdown

Television fans have been back at dock10 for the facility’s first recording with an audience since the easing of coronavirus restrictions.

Following strict safety protocols, the studios hosted a reduced, socially-distanced audience for a taping of 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown.

Darren Deans, head of marketing at dock10, said: “It was fantastic to have audiences back in the studio… we really missed them.

“The audience loved it.

“It was brilliant to hear laughter, clapping and cheering in the studio again.”

We have recorded the first television show with an audience since the easing of England’s Covid-19 restrictions. Andy Waters, Head of Studios at dock10 “To hear an audience laughing again in a television studio has been fantastic, we have missed it so much.” @dock10 @MediaCityUK pic.twitter.com/cD7hALRVfU

— dock10 (@dock10) May 19, 2021

Although the last year has been different, the staff at dock10 have continued to produce entertaining television for audiences in their homes.

New shows have included Pooch Perfect, Alan Carr’s Epic Gameshow and Lingo.

Darren explained: “dock10 has been innovating the way television is made and helping to get some of the nation’s favourite shows on air.

“Our remote gallery technology enables sporting events to be produced from our control rooms to reduce the number of people travelling to events like football matches – this was used by the BBC for the FA Cup final and other matches.

“We also hosted the BBC Bitesize education show in our virtual studio with a set being built in just two weeks.”

Subject to government guidance, the dock10 team intend on welcoming more audiences to their studios in the very near future.

Darren said: “We have very strict COVID-19 safety measures across the building.

“This includes wearing masks, a one way system, temperature checks, extra cleaning, hand sanitiser stations and screens between staff in control rooms.

“We hope to have audiences back for a number of shows over the next few months.”

Further information about being an audience member at dock10 can be found here.