It sounds like Jon and Kate Gosselin have listened to the critics who think they need to take a break from the show and concentrate on their kids until their divorce is final. TLC announced yesterday that the show will take a 6 week hiatus from shooting.

The official reason for the break is said to be because TLC has a shortage of new usable footage while the family unit is being dissolved. This will give the couple and the kids time to settle into their new routine. There has been speculation that the break in filming is a prelude to the couple being canned from TLC but with the ratings boom the show has been receiving, it seems unlikely they would cancel the show at this point.

Of course, they may just be taking a break to get all the legalities out of the way before introducing a new cast member, Jon’s girlfriend, Deanna Hummel. Zap2It.com is reporting that the 23-year-old will be a part of the show once they resume on August 3rd. A source says, “Deanna’s role isn’t expected to be big, but because she’s part of Jon’s life, she’ll be filmed.” But TLC denies the rumor, saying, “We have no specific plans for future episodes.”

Jon did spend the weekend apartment hunting in New York City. Is it possible the show will feature Jon’s new life with Deanna in the Big Apple and Kate back in Pennsylvania with the kids? Guess we’ll find out in 6 weeks.