LOS ANGELES — For the first time since the show premiered, Julie Chen-Moonves will not be hosting tonight's episode of "Big Brother."
The long-time reality show host shared on Thursday that she was diagnosed with COVID-19 on Friday, Sept. 6. Although her symptoms are mild, she said she is continuing to test positive for the virus.
"... Despite feeling good and strong and my cough being gone, I must sit out tonight's Big Brother live eviction show," Chen-Moonves wrote in a statement.
The eviction episode on Thursday, Sept. 12, will mark the first time in "Big Brother's" 24-year history that Chen-Moonves will not be hosting. Taking her place tonight will be actor and T.V. personality Jerry O'Connell.
O'Connell, a self-described "Big Brother" superfan, spoke to Chen-Moonves Thursday morning on "The Talk."
“Jerry, thank you for stepping in. You’re going to do an amazing job,” Chen-Moonves said on her first appearance on "The Talk" since her 2018 exit from the show.
Seemingly in good spirits, she gave him some tips before tonight's live episode.
"When you go into my dressing room, go into the bathroom. On the second drawer to the left, there is a corset. I’m telling you, Jerry, there is no way you’re going to fit into my dress tonight," Chen-Moonves joked.
Despite fears that the "houseguests are going to be super bummed" at Chen-Moonves' absence, O'Connell said he's happy to step in.
"See? Chenbot is human after all! Love one another and enjoy tonight's show," Chen-Moonves wrote.
10 Tampa Bay's Andrea Chu and David Belleville broke down the historic "Big Brother" news in their commentary podcast "Hey, Houseguests," which you can watch on the 10 Tampa Bay+ streaming app and the 10 Tampa Bay YouTube channel.
"Big Brother" airs at 8 p.m. Thursday on 10 Tampa Bay (CBS).