Little Mix’s popular TV show ‘Little Mix The Search,’ has been placed on hold for a week this Saturday after a small number of the wider production team have tested positive for Covid-19.
The talent show on BBC began airing in September and features the famous X Factor girlband and their search for their support act to join them on their 2021 tour. Saturday would of been the start of the live shows in search for the next big pop group. The shortlist of contestants belong to a boy band, a girl band, an instrumental band, a mixed group, a girl dance group and an R&B group who were set to compete for the space on their tour.
In a statement released on the show’s Twitter account, the programme have stated, “We can confirm that a small number of people on the Little Mix The Search production have tested positive for coronavirus and they are now self-isolating following the latest government guidelines.”
They have confirmed, “Due to the format of the show, we have made the decision to postpone Saturday’s programme. There are rigorous protocols in place to manage COVID-19 as the safety of all those involved in the production is paramount. We hope to be back on air on Saturday 24th October.”
Statement from production#LittleMixTheSearchpic.twitter.com/7NVtceqknT
— Little Mix The Search (@LMTheSearch) October 14, 2020
Chris Ramsey, Strictly Come Dancing semi-finalist is due to present the ‘Battle of the Bands’ competition with Little Mix’s Perrie Edwards, Leigh Anne Pinnock, Jade Thirlwall and Jesy Nelson on the judges’ panel. The Mirror Newspaper reported Perrie, 27 commenting about her experiences on auditioning on the X Factor show,
“My very first ever audition was to be in this band. Oh, the nerves. All those feelings come flooding back when I see somebody just so passionate about something. It’s their chance to change their lives.” She commented further “I was 16 when I first auditioned, and my mouth was quivering. “I was that nervous, and I didn’t have as much confidence as you. Not even half of the amount of confidence.” Jade added, “I remember when I auditioned my legs were like jelly, I was shaking so much. I was never, ever going to give up on my dream. I would have been turning up till I was an old woman, till I made it.”
Fans have showed their disappointment responding to the statement on the show’s twitter page in hearing news of the show’s postponement. One fan stated, “I’m gutted it’s postponed but at the end of the day everyone health & safety is the priority. I’m looking forward to seeing the live shows, whenever that will be.” Another commented, “I hope everyone is safe and takes good care of themselves. their health is of outmost importance so please take all the time needed before resuming production”
Although broadcasters are trying to maintain safe regulations to prevent outbreaks of Covid-19, It’s hard to control actions from the production outside of filming. Further preparation and development will need to be made within the industry to ensure a safer working environment. On Tuesday, ‘Britains Got Talent’ reported that three production staff had been infected with coronavirus, subsequently having to postpone the Christmas special show.
