The coronavirus epidemic has halted production on another favourite Aussie reality TV show, with Channel 10 suspending filming of The Bachelor.
The network announced the news in a statement late on Thursday night, revealing the tough decision was made to protect the safety of its cast and crew.
“Network 10 and Warner Bros. have decided to suspend production of the new season of The Bachelor Australia,” Ten’s statement read.
“Although we have been employing extra precautions on set for some time, it is no longer practical to continue with production.
“The health and safety of our participants and crew members is our number one priority. These are extremely difficult times for all Australians and for our industry, and the full extent of those difficulties will not be known for some time to come.”
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The network said the “disappointing” decision to halt production was made “after considering all available options”, and said production on the show will resume when it is “safe to do so”.
The statement ended: “While this decision is disappointing, we remain committed to keeping our audiences entertained and connected in these challenging times. We are also committed to ensuring the television industry remains in as strong a shape as possible so we can continue to bring Australian viewers local content.”
New Bachelor Locky Gilbert is yet to comment publicly on the announcement.
READ NEXT: Meet the full cast of Bachelor in Paradise for 2020
No doubt new Bachie Locky Gilbert will be disappointed at the news.
(Image: Channel 10)
The Survivor star has already been photographed forming strong connections with Bachie contestants during filming.
(Image: Channel 10)But there is still some good news for Aussie reality TV fans, who might be feeling downcast in the wake of several fan-favourite shows, including Big Brother and The Voice, being forced to delay production due to the strict social distancing rules put in place due to the coronavirus outbreak.
All episodes of Bachelor in Paradise have already been filmed, so that show will be able to go ahead as usual, albeit a few weeks later than expected.
“Do not panic,” a Channel 10 spokesperson said.
“You will still get to see your favourite bachelorettes and bachelors when they return to paradise for romance, scandal, betrayal and – for three couples – true love. Bachelor In Paradise has wrapped production and will air in the coming months.”
The new cast of Bachelor in Paradise for 2020.
(Image: Channel 10)BIP was originally expected to air between the end of Australian Survivor: All Stars and MasterChef Australia, but will be delayed slightly.
Ten will now air two weeks of TV specials, including shows from Jamie Oliver and over coronavirus-related content, before MasterChef premieres on Easter Monday.
So don’t worry, reality TV fans, you’ll still be able to get your fix of romantic drama and rekindle your connection with fan-favourite stars including Abbie Chatfield, Ciarran Stott, Timm Hanley and Brittany Hockley.
WATCH BELOW: Take a first look at Bachelor in Paradise for 2020.
