Revealed: How the Australian Big Brother housemates reacted to being told about coronavirus – and there was only one concern on everyone’s mind
The Big Brother Australia housemates were ‘shocked’ to learn about the coronavirus pandemic last week, according to host Sonia Kruger.
Sonia revealed on Thursday that housemates had been been notified of the situation last Friday, but their reactions won’t be shown on television.
She said on Sunrise: ‘Our executive producer went into the house and spoke to them through the diary room, but it wasn’t filmed.’
Major news: The Big Brother Australia housemates were ‘shocked’ to learn about the coronavirus pandemic last week, according to host Sonia Kruger (pictured)
‘[The producer] didn’t enter the house. She spoke to them through the diary room and answered all of their questions. They were shocked, as most people would be learning of this worldwide pandemic,’ Sonia added.
She revealed several housemates were primarily concerned with how the global health crisis was affecting football matches.
‘They were really quite concerned to hear about the football codes, NRL and AFL, potentially not going ahead,’ she said.
Lockdown: Sonia revealed on Thursday that housemates had been been notified of the situation last Friday, but their reactions won’t be shown on television
‘We’ve since learned that it will happen so we’ll give them that news and I’m sure they’ll be thrilled.’
Sonia confirmed the contestants were being regularly updated about COVID-19 and had access to their families via a ‘wellness manager’.
On Monday, an Endemol Shine spokesperson confirmed producers were working hard to protect the housemates from a coronavirus outbreak.
Empty: According to Sonia, several housemates were primarily concerned with how the global health crisis was affecting football matches. Pictured: the Big Brother set in Sydney’s Manly
‘We are working in line with current guidelines and production on Big Brother is continuing,’ they said.
‘Housemates have been brought across the current situation and we are in constant contact with the families to keep all involved up to date.’
Daily Mail Australia understands that Endemol Shine has limited the number of staff working on the show to allow for social distancing.
Pandemic: As of Thursday morning, there are 568 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Australia and six deaths
Big Brother began filming in Manly last month – before COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization.
The reality show is being pre-recorded this year for the first time in its history.
As of Thursday morning, there are 568 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Australia and six deaths.