“Big Brother” Season 26 has made history once again, as Julie Chen Moonves will miss her first-ever live eviction episode after testing positive for COVID-19.
For the first time in the show’s 24-year run, Chen will not be hosting Thursday’s live episode, with Jerry O’Connell stepping in to fill her role. The episode will see either Kimo or Quinn become the first member of the jury as HoH Chelsie’s reign concludes.
Just hours before the live broadcast, Chen shared the news on social media, writing, “Friday morning I woke up with a sore throat and went to see my good friend who is an ENT. That night, he called to say I have COVID. Thankfully, this is only my second time having it, and it’s been very mild. No fever, just a sore throat.”
She continued, “Unfortunately, I’m still testing positive today. Despite feeling good, strong, and without a cough, I have to sit out tonight’s live eviction. Thank you to Jerry O’Connell for stepping in. I hope he fits into my dress, has a blast, and tells the houseguests I miss them and will be watching from home.”
Ending on a lighthearted note, Chen joked, “See? Chenbot is human after all!” before signing off with her trademark message: “Love one another and enjoy tonight’s show.”
Jerry O’Connell also shared the news on his social media and revealed that Chen would call into Thursday’s episode of “The Talk” to offer him hosting advice ahead of the big night.
Since the show’s debut in July 2000, Chen has never missed a live eviction, even during her pregnancy in Season 11, when “Survivor” host Jeff Probst was on standby as a backup — though he was never needed.
“Big Brother” airs Sundays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays on CBS, with 24/7 live feeds available on Paramount+ and Pluto TV.