The coronavirus cluster linked to The Masked Singer reached 16 confirmed cases last week.
But a new report claims Channel Ten producers have quietly identified a 17th case among the cast, prompting speculation that it could be one of the masked celebrities.
On Monday, The Australian reported that the 17th case is likely the mystery female performer inside the Queen costume.
Does the Queen have COVID-19? The mystery celebrity behind The Masked Singer’s Queen costume (pictured) may have coronavirus after ‘her on-set contacts tested positive’, The Australian reported on Monday
The publication alleged that ‘reliable’ informants within Ten’s production team have confirmed that two of the Queen’s ‘close set contacts’ have tested positive to COVID-19.
Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Ten for comment.
Production of The Masked Singer was shut down on Saturday when nine people tested positive for the deadly virus.
The publication alleged that ‘reliable’ informants within Ten’s production team have confirmed that two of the Queen’s ‘close set contacts’ have tested positive to COVID-19. Pictured: Host Osher Günsberg
About 250 studio crew and on-screen talent have been made to self-isolate – including host Osher Günsberg and judges Dannii Minogue, Dave Hughes, Urzila Carlson and Jackie ‘O’ Henderson.
The COVID-19 bombshell came on the night of the show’s grand final being filmed.
The show’s set is in Melbourne, which is at the centre of Australia’s coronavirus second wave.
Growing numbers: The coronavirus cluster linked to The Masked Singer grew to 16 last week after seven more people connected to the set tested positive
‘Production on The Masked Singer has been immediately suspended as a result of several crew members receiving a positive test result for COVID-19,’ Network Ten said in a statement.
‘The health and safety of the community, and our staff and production partners is our number one priority.
‘The entire production team, including the masked singers, the host and panellists are now in self-isolation. They are all being monitored closely and are in constant contact with medical authorities.
Self-isolation: The production team, including the masked singers, host Osher Günsberg and the four star judges are now in self-isolation. Pictured: judge Jackie ‘O’ Henderson
‘Network 10 is working closely with the Victorian Government and the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services. Network 10 is providing all crew with all the support and assistance possible.’
One dancer came to the set ill on Friday and was told by producers to go home, the Sunday Herald Sun reported.
Since then another 15 individuals have now contracted COVID-19.
Crisis: About 250 studio crew and on-screen talent have been made to self-isolate – including judges Dannii Minogue (far left), Dave Hughes (centre left), Jackie ‘O’ Henderson (centre right) and Urzila Carlson (far right)
With no studio audience this season because of coronavirus, the show has instead used dancers to perform in the forefront as the stars perform.
The outbreak has also affected Channel Nine’s Millionaire Hot Seat hosted by Eddie McGuire.
The game show is filmed at the same Docklands studio has been forced to shut down production.
Working alongside health officials: Network Ten is working closely with the Victorian Government and the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services, a spokesperson said in an official statement on Saturday. Pictured: Judge Dannii Minogue
Premier Daniels defended the Victorian government’s decision to grant The Masked Singer an exemption to continue filming during the city’s Stage 4 lockdown.
‘[The outbreak] does make the point that this is a widely infectious virus,’ Premier Daniel Andrews said on Sunday.
‘Even if you’ve got the very best processes in place you’ll see positive cases.’
Amid the pandemic: With no studio audience this season because of coronavirus, the show has instead used dancers to perform in the forefront as the stars perform
The Masked Singer is Channel Ten’s addictive series that sees the judges and the public at home taking wild guesses at the identities behind the masks.
So far, the stars that have been unmasked are Mark Philippoussis as TheEchidna, Michael Bevan as Hammerhead, Christine Anu as Goldfish, Katie Noonan as Sloth, Sophie Monk as Firefly and Isaiah Firebrace as Wizard.
Still to have their identities revealed are Frillneck, Cactus, Queen, Bushranger, Puppet and Kitten.
Reports: One dancer came to the set ill on Friday and was told by producers to go home, the Sunday Herald Sun reported. Another six dancers who were in close contact also reportedly tested positive