This article discusses a developing story, so please keep checking back for updates as new information becomes available. For the first time ever, Big Brother host Julie Chen Moonves will be absent from the week 8 live eviction episode after contracting COVID-19. As Big Brother 26 enters its jury phase, the evicted houseguest will be the first to join the jury. During the episode on September 11, Head of Household (HOH) Chelsie Baham had put Angela Murray and Kimo Apaka up for eviction. However, Makensy Manbeck secured the Power of Veto, and she and Chelsie were contemplating using it to save Angela, potentially nominating Quinn Martin or Leah Peters instead.
“See? Chenbot is human after all!”
Julie shared the news via an X post that she would not be appearing in the September 12 eviction episode. The Talk co-host Jerry O’Connell will step in for her as another contestant is ousted from Big Brother 26. Julie explained, “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 the second time for me and it’s been very mild! No fever and just a sore throat.”
Julie continued, stating that despite feeling well, she still tested positive on Thursday morning. She mentioned, “Even though I’m feeling good, strong, and my cough is gone, I must sit tonight’s Big Brother live eviction show out.” Julie expressed her gratitude to Jerry for stepping in, joking, “I hope Jerry fits into my dress, has a ball, and tells the houseguests I miss them but will be watching from home.” She concluded with, “See? Chenbot is human after all! Love one another and enjoy tonight’s show.”
Implications of Julie Chen Moonves’ Absence on Big Brother 26
The Evicted Houseguest Will Likely Be Disappointed by Julie’s Absence
While Jerry is expected to do a commendable job as a host, the Big Brother 26 houseguests are accustomed to seeing Julie every week. They eagerly anticipate their interactions with her and value her presence when casting their votes. Her absence will undoubtedly be felt, particularly by the evicted houseguest, who misses out on meeting Julie, a highlight for Big Brother players.
Our Perspective on Jerry O’Connell Hosting in Place of Julie Chen Moonves
Jerry Has Proven to Be an Excellent Host on Other Shows
Jerry has demonstrated his hosting prowess on various TV shows, including The Talk, The Real Love Boat (alongside his wife, Rebecca Romijn), and Pictionary. It will be interesting to see if he poses thought-provoking questions to the evicted houseguest, akin to Julie’s style. If he isn’t already a Big Brother fan, hopefully, the producers will provide him with guidance to ensure fans receive the insights they crave about this week’s events. This is particularly crucial if Chelsie chooses a replacement nominee should Makensy decide to use the Power of Veto to save Angela.
20 Best Reality TV Shows Right Now
We hope Julie will stop testing positive for COVID-19 soon, allowing her to return to the show. Ensuring Julie is no longer contagious before meeting with the houseguests is crucial as they head to the Jury House, as illness could impact the game. Julie must stay away until it’s safe, after which she’ll be warmly welcomed back. Her experience with COVID-19 serves as yet another reminder of Big Brother’s motto: “expect the unexpected.”
Big Brother season 26 airs Sundays at 9 p.m. EDT and Wednesdays at 8 p.m. EDT on CBS.
Source: Julie Chen Moonves/X
Big Brother
- Reality
- Competition