Why Julie Chen Is Missing Big Brother’s Eviction for First Time Ever

Julie Chen is doing something she’s never done before.

The Big Brother host will be missing the CBS reality competition series’ Sept. 12 live eviction episode for the first time in 24 years.

“Friday morning I woke up with a sore throat and went to see my good friend who is an ENT,” the 54-year-old shared with fans in a Sept. 12 Instagram post. “That night he called to say I have COVID. Thankfully this is only the second time for me and it’s been very mild! No fever and just a sore throat.”

Chen noted that “despite feeling good strong and my cough being gone,” she’s still testing positive for coronavirus, adding, “I must sit tonight’s Big Brother Live eviction show out.”

However, the former The Talk cohost found a perfect replacement: Current The Talk cohost Jerry O’Connell, who she tanked for temporarily filling her shoes.

“I hope Jerry fits into my dress,” she joked, “has a ball and tells the houseguests I miss them but will be watching from home.”