The Masked Singer seems to be cursed by COVID restrictions, with the current Sydney outbreak forcing them to switch to a virtual audience.
WATCH BELOW: Bushranger’s finale performance on The Masked Singer
The beloved, bizarre show had planned to have a studio audience on-site at Sydney’s Carriageworks later this week, but have instead planned to have just 100 in attendance over Zoom, according to TV Tonight.
Their response is similar to actions they had to take just under a year ago, when a COVID outbreak on their old Melbourne set forced an immediate shutdown.
A dancer tested positive, which led to the infection of six other dancers and multiple crew members.
Host Osher Günsberg and judges Dannii Minogue, Jackie O, Dave Hughes were among those who faced the upheaval and judge Urzila Carlson appeared in the finale virtually rather than in person.
The show received criticism for continuing to film through Melbourne’s longest lockdown period.
However, contestants were quick to jump to the defense of the network and Warner, the production company.
Isaiah Firebrace, who had just been revealed as ‘The Wizard’ on season two, spoke about the outbreak in an interview with WHO.
They were preparing for the finale at the time, and had returned to their dressing rooms after rehearsal.
“We all went back to our dressing room and then an hour went past then it was three hours, four hours, five hours and I’m like ‘What the heck is happening?’. Then I get a knock at the door and it’s one of the producers saying the health department’s involved and that there’s been positive cases on site and I’m like ‘Wow!’,” he explained at the time.
He added: “They handled it really well. Channel Ten and [production company] Warner – everything they were doing in terms of hygiene and social distancing was amazing so it’s just really unfortunate. And everyone is in good health who’s affected.”
WATCH BELOW: The Masked Singer’s Dragonfly performs Kesha. Post continues below video…
Choosing to film in Sydney this year, the production company would have been able to avoid Melbourne’s sometimes tenuous situation when it comes to COVID.
However, Sydney clusters have meant a two-week lockdown order was called on Saturday.
Things seem safe for now with just the removal of the live audience, but production will be monitored closely in the coming weeks as the lockdown period unfolds.
Hopefully this fantastic show can go ahead!
Related stories
Native ad body.
5 Christmas tree trends you HAVE to try this year
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
