Julie Chen Moonves forced to sit out 'Big Brother' live eviction due to COVID-19

Julie Chen Moonves is calling out sick.

The TV personality and longtime host of "Big Brother" announced in an Instagram post Thursday that she will be absent from tonight's live eviction episode.

Moonves said she came down with a sore throat on Friday and, after consulting with a "good friend who is an ENT," it was revealed she had contracted COVID-19. "Thankfully this is only the second time for me, and it’s been very mild!" Moonves wrote. "No fever and just a sore throat."

However, Moonves added that she's still testing positive for the illness, forcing her to sit out the CBS reality series' live episode.

"See? Chenbot is human after all!" Moonves joked. "Love one another and enjoy tonight’s show."

But Moonves isn't leaving "Big Brother" fans high and dry.

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Jerry O'Connell fills in for Julie Chen Moonves on 'Big Brother'

Moonves shared in her Instagram post that Jerry O'Connell , her former "The Talk" co-host, will be filling in for her on Thursday's episode of "Big Brother."

"I hope Jerry fits into my dress, has a ball and tells the houseguests I miss them but will be watching from home," Moonves wrote.

In an Instagram video Thursday, O'Connell joked that he will be serving as the "substitute teacher" on "Big Brother" in Moonves' absence.

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"Julie Chen Moonves is a little under the weather," O'Connell said. "We love her."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Julie Chen Moonves forced to sit out 'Big Brother' live eviction due to COVID-19