Recently, television host Julie Chen announced she will temporarily step down from her duties on the upcoming live episode of “Big Brother” due to testing positive for COVID-19. This marks her second encounter with the virus.
Chen disclosed on social media that she began to feel unwell last Friday and subsequently consulted a doctor friend. Despite experiencing only mild symptoms like a sore throat, the positive test necessitated her absence from the show.
In her statement, Chen extended her thanks to Jerry O’Connell for stepping in as host and humorously remarked on her “Chenbot” nickname, suggesting that contracting the virus confirmed her humanity. She humorously encouraged Jerry to enjoy the experience and relay her greetings to the contestants, letting them know she would be tuning in from home.
The news has drawn support from both fans and celebrities, including Andy Cohen and Carson Kressley, cheering her on for a quick recovery. Discussions among her audience have arisen, with some questioning whether this is the first live show she has missed, as they could not recall any previous absences.
The network recently shared a segment from “The Talk” where it was revealed that Jerry O’Connell would assume hosting responsibilities for tonight’s eviction episode under hashtag #BB26. O’Connell himself shared that he called Chen on “The Talk” seeking hosting advice for the evening.
As Chen recuperates, viewers and show participants alike are sending their best wishes, feeling her absence but looking forward to her return to the popular show.
