Coronavirus strikes Dancing with the Stars: Christian Wilkins didn’t learn of his father Richard’s diagnosis until AFTER Sunday’s live episode – putting the entire cast at risk of exposure as he self-isolates and gets tested
Channel 10 is taking precautionary steps after Christian Wilkins took part in Sunday night’s live broadcast of Dancing with the Stars.
Christian’s father, Today Extra entertainment reporter Richard Wilkins, tested positive for the deadly coronavirus overnight, and the 24-year-old socialite didn’t learn of the diagnosis until after he’d finished the episode.
A network spokesperson said: ‘Although Christian does not believe he has been exposed, he has self-isolated and will be tested first thing tomorrow [Monday] morning.’
Coronavirus strikes Dancing with the Stars: Christian Wilkins (pictured with Lily McManus) didn’t learn of his father Richard’s diagnosis until after Sunday’s live episode – putting the entire cast at risk of exposure as he self-isolates and gets tested
Channel 10 and producers Warner Bros. had already implemented a number of precautions to protect the cast and crew ahead of Sunday’s episode.
Their efforts to minimise exposure and reduce the spread of the virus included ‘good hygiene practices backstage and in-studio, and filming without a studio audience,’ said the spokesperson.
Christian first addressed his father’s shock diagnosis on Sunday evening.
Safety measures: Channel 10 and producers Warner Bros. had already implemented a number of precautions to protect the cast and crew ahead of Sunday’s episode. Pictured: hosts Amanda Keller and Grant Denyer
‘I was not aware of my dad’s positive results to coronvavirus until after the show, Christian began in an Instagram video alongside dance partner, Lily McManus.
The DWTS contestant continued: ‘Since finding out both Lily and I will be self-isolating, and we’ll be tested first thing in the morning.’
Richard Wilkins opened up about his ‘bizarre’ coronavirus diagnosis on Sunday, after he came into contact with Tom Hanks’s wife Rita Wilson.
‘I was not aware’: Christian first addressed his father’s diagnosis on Sunday evening, saying he would be self-isolating with dance partner Lily until they could get tested on Monday
Channel Nine on Sunday evening revealed the Weekend Today host, who briefly met Rita during her visit to the network’s studios, tested positive to the virus that has left more than 5,000 people dead globally.
Richard tweeted: ‘Hey… sincere thanks for all the messages… I really appreciate it.
‘It’s actually a bizarre feeling to have tested positive to this thing we’ve all been talking about. I feel 100 per cent… no symptoms at all! Thanks again… love to all.’
‘Thanks for all the messages’: Richard Wilkins (right) opened up about his ‘bizarre’ coronavirus diagnosis on Sunday, after he came into contact with Tom Hanks’s wife Rita Wilson (left)
‘It’s actually a bizarre feeling to have tested positive to this thing we’ve all been talking about,’ said Richard on Sunday