It was meant to be the night she met the 32 bachelors vying for her love.
But unfortunately for new Bachelorette, Clare Crawley, it wasn’t meant to be, with the show’s production coming to a halt amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Host Chris Harrison took to his social media on Friday evening to share a three minute IGTV video regarding production’s decision to pull the plug on the popular reality dating show for at least two weeks.
‘Heavy heart’: Bachelorette host Chris Harrison took to social media on Friday to address production’s decision to pull the plug on the popular reality dating show for at least two weeks
‘Hello Bachelor Nation. It is with a heavy heart that I come to you tonight, because right now, at this very minute, I should be standing on a very wet driveway with a very excited woman ready to change lives,’ he began.
‘But in effect, lives have been changed because I am here to confirm, which you probably already know, that is production of The Bachelorette has been postponed for two weeks, at least. And in two weeks we will reassess where we are in the world and figure out what’s happening – and if we can move forward.’
The long-time host went on to talk about the severity if the CONVID-19 virus and how things are changing by the hour.
‘I was consulted about this, but it was not just the right thing to do, it was the only thing to do,’ Chris continued, speaking about how many jobs had been lost in the process.
‘I was consulted about this, but it was not just the right thing to do, it was the only thing to do,’ Chris said
‘This is massive. Jobs will be lost, paychecks will be lost and there’s just no way to avoid that. That doesn’t avoid the fact that this was still the right thing to do and really the only thing to do.’
‘This will affect a lot of people. The ripple effect of this is massive. First and foremost for my Bachelor family – the crew, and there are hundreds, hundreds, of people. From audio, to camera, producers, AD’s, art department, hair, wardrobe, drivers, security, catering, you name it.’
‘This is massive. Jobs will be lost, paychecks will be lost and there’s just no way to avoid that. That doesn’t avoid the fact that this was still the right thing to do and really the only thing to do..
Chris also gave a special shoutout to the 32 suitors who were getting ready to line up for the beauty, as well as Clare herself.
‘To my friend Clare, you’re still my Bachelorette and hopefully we’re still going to get the opportunity to help you find love and make this work.’
He noted that they had spent some time together on Thursday evening and discussed how excited they were ahead of production.
Pressing pause: The 38-year-old Bachelorette also shared her disappointment on her Instagram page
The 38-year-old Bachelorette also shared her sorrow over on her Instagram page.
‘Talk about most dramatic season ever!’ she began her post.
‘In all seriousness, Everyone’s health is the most important priority at this time, and as I’m sure you’ve heard, we are pressing pause for now on filming The Bachelorette. We are taking it day by day and even hour by hour as this is so unpredictable.’
She continued: ‘All I know for sure is that my heart is so full from all the love and support this far, and am still so excited for my journey to begin! I’ve waited 38 years for these moments, what’s a little bit longer, right!’
The decision comes after Warner Brothers released a statement on Friday announcing production delay of some of their 70+ series and pilots currently filming.
‘I’ve waited 38 years for these moments, what’s a little bit longer, right!’ Clare said
‘With the rapidly changing events related to COVID-19, and out of an abundance of caution, Warner Bros. Television Group is halting production on some of our 70+ series and pilots currently filming or about to begin,’ read their statement.
‘There have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 on any of our productions, but the health and safety of our employees, casts and crews remains our top priority. During this time, we will continue to follow the guidelines of the Centers for DIsease Control as well as local officials and public health professionals in each city where our productions are based.’
As of Saturday afternoon, there are close to 2500 coronavirus cases in the US and 55 deaths.
President Trump has been tested for the deadly virus.