Britain’s Got Talent’s Christmas Special is SHUT DOWN after COVID-19 outbreak

Britain’s Got Talent have been forced to halt filming for its Christmas Special after a COVID-19 outbreak on set.

Bosses have postponed production for the festive special as ‘a number of crew members’ are ordered to self-isolate in accordance with government guidelines, with pictures of the site on Monday showing the measures in place.

The outbreak has also forced judges Alesha Dixon, Ashley Banjo and David Walliams into self-isolation, as they wait for their own test results, having come into direct contact with one of the infected crew members.

BGT on ice! BGT’s Christmas Special has been halted a day before filming is set to start as crew members contract COVID-19… forcing Alesha Dixon, Ashley Banjo and David Walliams into self-isolation

A source told The Sun: ‘[The judges] will have to take a test before they can stop quarantining. The likelihood is they’ll come back negative, but they are taking no chances and can’t be too safe right now.

‘It’s the last thing BGT bosses would have wanted on the first day of the new production.’

Fourth judge, Amanda Holden, was said to also be at home, but it’s understood she did not come into contact with the crew member like the others.

A representative for BGT told MailOnline: ‘As a result of a positive Covid-19 result received yesterday we have implemented our protocols and a number of crew members are self-isolating at home. 

‘As a result, we are unable to continue filming our BGT Christmas Special today and have taken the decision to postpone. 

‘The safety of all those involved in the show is our number one priority and we follow extensive Covid-19 related procedures to adhere to all Government guidelines.’

Standing by: Bosses have postponed production for the festive special as 'a number of crew members' are ordered to self-isolate in accordance with government guidelines, with pictures of the site on Monday showing the measures in place

Standing by: Bosses have postponed production for the festive special as ‘a number of crew members’ are ordered to self-isolate in accordance with government guidelines, with pictures of the site on Monday showing the measures in place

She's fine: Fourth judge, Amanda Holden, was said to also be at home, but it's understood she did not come into contact with the crew member like the others

She’s fine: Fourth judge, Amanda Holden, was said to also be at home, but it’s understood she did not come into contact with the crew member like the others

It had been reported that the Christmas Special was due to begin filming on Tuesday ahead of its broadcast over the festive period.

A source told The Sun: ‘It’s the last thing Britain’s Got Talent bosses would have wanted on day one of the new production.

‘Everything was ready to go so they’re gutted it’s immediately ground to a halt. Everyone was told to stay away and those involved now must self-isolate.

‘They can take no chances, particularly with some of the returning winners potentially vulnerable.’ 

Spotted heading into the studio on Monday was former BGT contestant Susan Boyle, 59, who failed to wear a mask while in a car and when heading into the building.  

On hold: Britain's Got Talent have been forced to halt filming for its Christmas Special after a COVID-19 outbreak on set (judges pictured during semi-final filming in August)

On hold: Britain’s Got Talent have been forced to halt filming for its Christmas Special after a COVID-19 outbreak on set (judges pictured during semi-final filming in August)

Maskless: Spotted heading into the studio was former winner Susan Boyle, 59, who failed to wear a mask while in a car and when heading into the building

Maskless: Spotted heading into the studio was former winner Susan Boyle, 59, who failed to wear a mask while in a car and when heading into the building

Serious: Susan maintained a steely expression as she arrived at the studios

Serious: Susan maintained a steely expression as she arrived at the studios

Pushed back: Bosses have postponed production for the festive special as 'a number of crew members' are ordered to self-isolate in accordance with government guidelines

Pushed back: Bosses have postponed production for the festive special as ‘a number of crew members’ are ordered to self-isolate in accordance with government guidelines

Checking up: Those arriving at the studio were swabbed and tested

Checking up: Those arriving at the studio were swabbed and tested 

Here she is: The images taken on Monday showed the extensive measures in place however Susan failed to wear a mask while in the car and then entering the building

Here she is: The images taken on Monday showed the extensive measures in place however Susan failed to wear a mask while in the car and then entering the building

Distanced? Some of the staff were not acknowledging the 6ft social distancing rule

Distanced? Some of the staff were not acknowledging the 6ft social distancing rule

Festive fun: It's hoped that the show could bring in higher TV ratings for ITV, as the BBC usually dominates over the festive period

Festive fun: It’s hoped that the show could bring in higher TV ratings for ITV, as the BBC usually dominates over the festive period

Special delivery: Items were delivered to the set shortly before the announcement

Special delivery: Items were delivered to the set shortly before the announcement 

BGT were set to produce a non-competitive festive special featuring an array of acts from years past, with Ashley Banjo once again standing in for Simon Cowell as he continues to recover from a broken back. 

It’s hoped that the show could bring in higher TV ratings for ITV, as the BBC usually dominates over the festive period. 

It was reported last month that bosses were hoping to line up BGT stars Susan Boyle and Paul Potts for the special, along with Ashley’s troupe Diversity, who sparked controversy with their Black Lives Matter-inspired performance in August.

The current series of BGT concluded on Saturday after being delayed by the COVID-19 crisis, with comedic singer Jon Courtenay being crowned champion with his inspiring song about the recent crisis. 

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