Australia’s Got Talent has made the devastating decision to postpone its production due to Sydney’s Covid outbreak and subsequent two-week lockdown.
As a result of this blow, the show’s international judges How I Met Your Mother star Neil Patrick Harris and singer Alesha Dixon have had to return to their home countries after two weeks of self-isolation.
Sydney is currently in lockdown after the Delta strain of Covid-19 caused a new outbreak.
A Seven spokesperson revealed to the Daily Telegraph that without the possibility of a studio audience Channel Seven and production company Fremantle Media believe postponing the show is their best option.
“Due to the current Covid-19 restrictions in Sydney, we have decided to postpone production of the new season of AGT to a date to be determined.
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“A studio audience is a vitally important part of this much-loved show, so we have made the responsible but tough call to not go ahead for now,” said the Channel Seven spokesperson.
The news is especially heartbreaking for Australian judges Shane Jacobson, Kate Ritchie and host Ricki-Lee Coulter.
This isn’t the first time that the show has had to axe filming because of the pandemic.
Neil Patrick Harris has had to fly home with his family.
(Credit: Instagram)In 2020, the show was cut and the judging panel, which included Sonia Kruger, Manu Feildel, Olympia Valance and Shane Jacobson, had to say goodbye to the production.
It was only early June when the exciting line up for this year’s judges panel was announced, and although the hype was short-lived, fans of the show should remain enthusiastic for the upcoming rescheduled date.
In her announcement, Kate Ritchie spoke about how she was excited to be on the show to foster new talent after a year stuck inside her home.
“Get ready for AGT 2021! ❤️💜❤️ Let’s be honest people have spent more time at home than usual this past year. Some developed brand new skills and others fine-tuned their already spectacular talents!,” she said
“Let’s be honest people have spent more time at home than usual this past year.”
(Credit: Nova Network/Peter Brew-Bevan)The radio host also revealed that she was looking forward to sharing the panel with her incredibly talented counterparts.
“I am not only flattered to be sharing the AGT panel with Neil Patrick Harris, Alesha Dixon and Shane Jacobson but also super excited to see the incredible talent Australia has to offer…” said Kate.
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