Little Mix: The Search live shows are POSTPONED after crew members test positive for COVID-19

Little Mix: The Search live shows are POSTPONED after ‘a small number’ of crew members test positive for COVID-19

Little Mix: The Search have been forced to postpone this weekend’s live shows after ‘a small number’ of crew members tested positive for COVID-19.

In a statement the BBC confirmed the planned shows had been delayed by a week so crew members could self-isolate.

They said: ‘We can confirm that a small number of people on the Little Mix The Search production have tested positive for coronavirus and they are now self-isolating following the latest government guidelines. 

On hold: Little Mix: The Search have been forced to postpone this weekend’s live shows after ‘a small number’ of crew members tested positive for COVID-19

‘Due to the format of the show we have made the decision to postpone Saturday’s programme. 

‘There are rigorous protocols in place to manage Covid-19 as the safety of all those involved in the production is paramount. We hope to be back on air on Saturday 24 October.’  

It’s thought the competing six bands – boyband, girl vocal, girl dance, R n B and Hip Hop, mixed and live instrumental – have all been placed in lockdown so they are safe to perform when the series returns. 

Pushed back: In a statement the BBC confirmed the planned shows had been delayed by a week so crew members could self-isolate

Pushed back: In a statement the BBC confirmed the planned shows had been delayed by a week so crew members could self-isolate

Little Mix: The Search has seen the X Factor winners join forces to find a group that can support them on their upcoming tour, auditioning plenty of hopefuls that could be formed into six different types of bands.

The live shows were scheduled to start this weekend, hosted by comedian Chris Ramsay, but will now start the following weekend.  

However despite being a hit with fans on social media, The Search hasn’t had the strongest start in the ratings.

New music star: Little Mix: The Search has seen the X Factor winners join forces to find a group that can support them on their upcoming tour

New music star: Little Mix: The Search has seen the X Factor winners join forces to find a group that can support them on their upcoming tour

It is thought that only 1.9m people tuned in to watch the talent show last month, compared to more than double that watched rival BGT, reports The Mirror.

Despite the opening weekend, BBC bosses are reportedly hoping the ratings will improve when more figures come in.

A source said: ‘It’s a fresh new show for a young audience who prefer to watch on BBC iPlayer sometimes a few days after it’s aired on TV.’

MailOnline has contacted a representative for Little Mix and for the BBC to ask for a comment.