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TV plans disrupted by Northern Beaches cluster

Shutdown is already rippling across production and programming.

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The Northern beaches cluster, and its associated lockdown, is already having impact on television events and personnel.

David Campbell is out as co-host of Carols by Candlelight due to the shifting nature of interstate travel. Eddie McGuire will now host with Livinia Nixon. Seven’s Carols in the Domain is filming over the weekend at the Aware Theatre at the International Convention Centre (as was planned).

Big Brother is about to wrap filming at its home at North Head near Manly.

A spokesperson said, “Endemol Shine Australia takes the health and safety of our crew and contestants very seriously. Big Brother is still in production and we are continuing to work within all Federal and State guidelines.”

Surf Life Saving Australia Board has postponed today’s the opening rounds of the IronMan & IronWoman Series and Next Gen, which was due to screen for 2 hrs on Nine today -alternative programming now includes Tassie docos, travel & wildlife titles.

SLSA President, Graham Ford said, “We understand the postponement of the event is disappointing for athletes and fans, but this decision was made in the best interest of public health.

“As per our contingency plan, we will split the first two rounds across the remaining two weekends of competition in January and February. We will determine whether that is the Friday or Saturday (double header) closer to the time once we have had the chance to consult all stakeholders.”

Meanwhile cricketer Brett Lee was sent home from Adelaide by FOX Cricket to be with family. He reportedly has no symptoms and has not been to any of the notified hot spots.

News Corp reports both Seven and FOX Sports were forced to stand down several producers and behind the scenes staff members, pending COVID tests. He made the decision to return home to ensure he will be with his family for Christmas.

FOX Sports boss Steve Crawley said yesterday: “We had a good talk last night. He went back this morning. Of course everyone is being responsible and he totally understood that.

“We have had to send out a number of staff to get them tested. Brett is in the air now, he’s gone back this morning.

“It was just the right thing to do and he was very comfortable doing that.”

Elsewhere the Sydney – Hobart Yacht Race is under a cloud, awaiting a confirmation.

Finally, Daily Mail Australia reports at least one person visited the Sette Cafe, located in same building as Channel Seven’s Eveleigh headquarters on Monday.

8 Responses

  2. Watching Carols by Candlelight is a Christmas tradition my whole family looks forward to. But with Eddie MacGuire now co-hosting – heck no. For the first time ever we will not be watching.

  3. Carols in the Domain is filming at the International Convention Centre but without a live audience. A notice was posted on social media late Friday afternoon, advising the event would be closed to the public for both Friday and Saturday sessions. People who have bought tickets to the event would receive a full refund.
    It will be interesting to see if artificial crowd noises (as used in Seven’s AFL telecasts earlier this year) will be used for the Carols telecast on Wednesday night.

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