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
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.
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.’
It had been reported that the Christmas Special was due to begin filming on Tuesday ahead of its broadcast over the festive period.
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.’
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.
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