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Julie Chen will not host Thursday's live eviction

Season 26 of Big Brother continues to make history on CBS – this time as host Julie Chen Moonves misses her first-ever live eviction episode after testing positive for COVID.

Jerry O'Connell will step in for Thursday's episode, in which either Kimo or Quinn will be the first jurors when HoH Chelsie's reign comes to an end.

Chen shared the devastating news on social media just hours before Thursday's live episode, writing, “Friday morning I woke up with a sore throat and went to see my good friend who is an ENT doctor. That evening he called and said I had COVID. Luckily, this is only my second time and it was very mild. No fever and just a sore throat.” Read her full statement below:

“Unfortunately, as of this morning, I still tested positive… although I'm feeling good and strong and my cough is gone, I have to sit out the live 'Big Brother' eviction show tonight,” she continued. “Thank you to Jerry O'Connell for stepping in for me. I hope Jerry fits into my dress, has fun and tells the houseguests I miss them but will be watching from home.”

“See? Chenbot is only human after all!” Chen joked, ending with her signature greeting: “Love each other and enjoy the show tonight.”

O'Connell shared the news on his own social media, also announcing that Chen would call into Thursday's episode of “The Talk” to get hosting advice ahead of the big episode.

Since the show premiered in July 2000, Chen hasn't missed a single live episode of “BB” that deals with eviction. Even when she was pregnant in Season 11 and could potentially give birth at any moment, CBS hired “Survivor” host Jeff Probst as a substitute — but he was never needed.

Big Brother airs Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays on CBS. Live coverage can be viewed 24/7 on Paramount+ and Pluto TV.

Ryan Seacrest, "Wheel of Fortune" (Source: YouTube)

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