Anne Hegerty has pulled out of the new series of 'Beat The Chasers' after testing positive for COVID-19.
Anne Hegerty tests positive for COVID-19
The 63-year-old brainbox will be replaced by Issa Schultz, who is known for the Australian version of ITV quiz show 'The Chase', and has reassured fans she is feeling "fine".
In a Twitter statement, Anne - who is nicknamed The Governess - said: "Unfortunately I’ve contracted Covid-19 so won’t be filming this series of #BeatTheChasers.
"The fantastic @Issa25 will be stepping in for me and I’m looking forward to watching the series when it’s on air later this year. I feel fine, but I'm still positive! (in all respects)."
ITV confirmed her replacement in their own statement, which read: "Unfortunately, Anne 'The Governess' Hegerty has contracted Covid-19, so won't be filming the upcoming Beat The Chasers. We look forward to having her back on set soon.
"We're thrilled #TheChase and #BeatTheChasers Australia's @issaschultzofficial is able to step in."
Meanwhile, Anne previously opened up about how she believes the coronavirus lockdown saved her from a breakdown.
The TV personality admitted the lockdown last year had been a saviour, as it's allowed her to take a step back from her working life.
She said: "By the time lockdown came in, I was so burnt out, I'd had something like three colds in the space of five months because I was rushing around from place to place and suddenly having sobbing fits in the car.
"I really was, because there was just so much on my plate, there were so many things I was planning on.
"I look now at my diary for the beginning of last year and I think, 'Well, you kind of were about to have a breakdown.'"
The London-born star relished having so much free time.
Anne realises she'd been lucky, compared to many other people.
She added: "What I have learnt most about the past year was that I absolutely do love having loads of free time.
"Obviously there are some things I love doing, like 'Britain's Brightest Family', which is recorded in Manchester. I am absolutely fine with driving back to Manchester and sleeping in my own bed. I haven't slept in a bed that wasn't my own since January 7 last year and honestly, that's brilliant.
"So whereas everyone else has suffered in lockdown, I've had a great time. I had money in the bank. And I knew there would be work to go back to. And I really liked having tonnes of unfilled free time. Plus I love my own company. I love my solitude."