BGT’s Christmas Special HALTS a day before filming begins after crew member contracts COVID-19… as Susan Boyle arrives without a mask, medics swarm and staff are tested
- Bosses have postponed production for the festive special as ‘a number of crew members’ are ordered to self-isolate in accordance with government guidelines
- On Monday, images of the site showed the measures in place for the outbreak
- Spotted heading into the studio was former winner Susan Boyle, 59, who failed to wear a mask while in a car and when heading into the building
- A representative for BGT told MailOnline: ‘As a result of a positive Covid-19 result received yesterday we have implemented our protocols and a number of crew members are self-isolating at home’
Britain’s Got Talent have been forced to halt filming for its Christmas Special after a COVID-19 outbreak on set.
Bosses have postponed production for the festive special as ‘a number of crew members’ are ordered to self-isolate in accordance with government guidelines, with pictures of the site on Monday showing the measures in place.
Spotted heading into the studio was former winner Susan Boyle, 59, who failed to wear a mask while in a car and when heading into the building.
A representative for BGT told MailOnline: ‘As a result of a positive Covid-19 result received yesterday we have implemented our protocols and a number of crew members are self-isolating at home.
On hold: Britain’s Got Talent have been forced to halt filming for its Christmas Special after a COVID-19 outbreak on set (judges pictured during semi-final filming in August)
‘As a result, we are unable to continue filming our BGT Christmas Special today and have taken the decision to postpone.
‘The safety of all those involved in the show is our number one priority and we follow extensive Covid-19 related procedures to adhere to all Government guidelines.’
The images taken on Monday showed the extensive measures in place however Susan failed to wear a mask while in the car and then entering the building.
It had been reported that the Christmas Special was due to begin filming on Tuesday ahead of its broadcast over the festive period.
![Maskless: Spotted heading into the studio was former winner Susan Boyle, 59, who failed to wear a mask while in a car and when heading into the building](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/10/13/15/34339362-8834661-image-m-49_1602598354016.jpg)
Maskless: Spotted heading into the studio was former winner Susan Boyle, 59, who failed to wear a mask while in a car and when heading into the building
![Serious: Susan maintained a steely expression as she arrived at the studios](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/10/13/15/34339386-8834661-image-a-53_1602598909091.jpg)
Serious: Susan maintained a steely expression as she arrived at the studios
![Pushed back: Bosses have postponed production for the festive special as 'a number of crew members' are ordered to self-isolate in accordance with government guidelines](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/10/13/12/34333084-8834661-image-m-96_1602588169589.jpg)
Pushed back: Bosses have postponed production for the festive special as ‘a number of crew members’ are ordered to self-isolate in accordance with government guidelines
A source told The Sun: ‘It’s the last thing Britain’s Got Talent bosses would have wanted on day one of the new production.
‘Everything was ready to go so they’re gutted it’s immediately ground to a halt. Everyone was told to stay away and those involved now must self-isolate.
‘They can take no chances, particularly with some of the returning winners potentially vulnerable.’
![Checking up: Those arriving at the studio were swabbed and tested](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/10/13/15/34339370-8834661-image-a-50_1602598371523.jpg)
Checking up: Those arriving at the studio were swabbed and tested
![Here she is: The images taken on Monday showed the extensive measures in place however Susan failed to wear a mask while in the car and then entering the building](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/10/13/15/34339388-8834661-image-a-51_1602598529145.jpg)
Here she is: The images taken on Monday showed the extensive measures in place however Susan failed to wear a mask while in the car and then entering the building
![Distanced? Some of the staff were not acknowledging the 6ft social distancing rule](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/10/13/15/34339416-8834661-image-a-54_1602599001854.jpg)
Distanced? Some of the staff were not acknowledging the 6ft social distancing rule
![Dazzling: It had been reported that the non-competitive Christmas Special was due to begin filming on Tuesday ahead of its broadcast over the festive period](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/10/13/12/34332852-8834661-image-a-99_1602588230546.jpg)
Dazzling: It had been reported that the non-competitive Christmas Special was due to begin filming on Tuesday ahead of its broadcast over the festive period
BGT were set to produce a non-competitive festive special featuring an array of acts from years past, with Ashley Banjo once again standing in for Simon Cowell as he continues to recover from a broken back.
It’s hoped that the show could bring in higher TV ratings for ITV, as the BBC usually dominates over the festive period.
It was reported last month that bosses were hoping to line up BGT stars Susan Boyle and Paul Potts for the special, along with Ashley’s troupe Diversity, who sparked controversy with their Black Lives Matter-inspired performance in August.
The current series of BGT concluded on Saturday after being delayed by the COVID-19 crisis, with comedic singer Jon Courtenay being crowned champion with his inspiring song about the recent crisis.
![All hands on board: Medics and security mingled on the set](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/10/13/15/34339418-8834661-image-a-52_1602598564928.jpg)
All hands on board: Medics and security mingled on the set
![Festive fun: It's hoped that the show could bring in higher TV ratings for ITV, as the BBC usually dominates over the festive period](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/10/13/12/34333178-8834661-image-a-98_1602588228048.jpg)
Festive fun: It’s hoped that the show could bring in higher TV ratings for ITV, as the BBC usually dominates over the festive period
![Special delivery: Items were delivered to the set shortly before the announcement](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/10/13/15/34339414-8834661-image-a-57_1602599459727.jpg)
Special delivery: Items were delivered to the set shortly before the announcement