Eddie McGuire to host Carols By Candlelight after David Campbell pulled out due to coronavirus fears

Eddie McGuire will step in at the last minute to host Vision Australia’s Carols By Candlelight for the first time next week.  

The Millionaire Hot Seat star will join Livinia Nixon at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne, after Sydney-based David Campbell decided not to fly down due to the COVID-19 situation and potential border closures.  

‘To this day, my family and I all sit down and watch Carols by Candlelight every year. In our fast-moving, ever-changing lives, Carols is a Christmas Eve tradition that we all look forward to,’ he said on Saturday.  

‘I genuinely love Christmas. Whether as a little boy or a father, it is the best time of year. We really embrace the Christmas spirit at our house,’ he enthused. 

‘I’ve always enjoyed watching the show every year and I’m really excited and chuffed to be involved.’  

Meanwhile, David broke his silence on Sunday by posting a photo of himself dressed in a festive headband while with his children in his lounge room. 

‘Guys, I am not moving. Stay safe. Wear a mask,’ he wrote in the caption. 

Eddie’s surprise new gig comes weeks after he quit his top-rating Triple M radio show after 11 years on-air. 

‘To be honest the constant feeling of jet lag you have when you are doing breakfast radio, it compounds the longer you do it, and you also get a bit older,’ he told the Herald Sun in November.  

Meanwhile, Nine has confirmed that this year’s Carols By Candlelight won’t feature an audience due to coronavirus restrictions.  

However, the show will feature a slew of beloved Australian performers, including Dami Im, Casey Donovan, Rob Mills, Anthony Callea and Bonnie Anderson. 

Cast members from the internationally acclaimed musical Hamilton will also perform.  

Carols By Candlelight kicks off on Thursday at 8pm on Nine.