AJ Pritchard has reportedly tested positive for coronavirus, days before filming begins on 'I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here'.
AJ Pritchard
The 'Strictly Come Dancing' star is set to feature on the upcoming series of the ITV show - which is set in North Wales this year owing to the coronavirus pandemic - but filming has been thrown into chaos after AJ is believed to have been found to have the virus whilst isolating with girlfriend Abbie Quinnen ahead of the show.
A source told The Sun on Sunday newspaper: "It could put the whole show in jeopardy ... This is the last thing anyone wanted. It has been a shock to AJ as he’s been feeling fine and following the precautions. Everyone is on tenterhooks. Like the other contestants AJ had a routine Covid test, which came back positive. He will have another one before going in.
"The ITV production team have gone to incredible lengths all year to make sure everything is carried out safely and with as minimal risk to the cast and crew as possible. There is little room for error. If several stars are struck down, particularly one of the older ones, then it would throw the whole show into jeopardy and be very problematic."
ITV added in a statement: "We can confirm that a member of the cast has received a positive Covid result and that individual is self isolating where we are giving them all the support that they need. I’m A Celebrity has robust health and safety measures and protocols in place in order to operate safely within Covid guidelines."
Whilst a production source added: "It is as a result of our frequent testing policy that we were able to identify this case swiftly."
AJ had previously hinted at starring in this year's 'I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!'.
The 25-year-old TV star said: "I’m intrigued as to how it’s going to work this year, not being in Australia in the sunshine. I do like the sun, so I don’t know how the celebrities will take it. I think whoever wants to do that show would prefer it in a hot country."
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