Joel Dommett has announced to fans he has been forced to pull out of hosting this year's Comic Relief.
In an Instagram post to his 837k followers, the Masked Singer host told his fans he would not be appearing on our screens on March 18 after catching covid. Joel was due to host Comic Relief with Lenny Henry, Paddy McGuinness, Alesha Dixon, David Tennant, AJ Odudu, Zoe Ball and others.
In his Instagram post he confirmed his new replacement for the live show would be Vernon Kay. Vernon also confirmed the news on his own social media account writing: "Covid has caught Captain Fantastic Joel Dommett so I'm gunna be trying to fill his size 11.5shoes on Friday's Comic Relief."
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On Instagram, Joel wrote: "Super annoyed to report that I have the vid. This unfortunately means I have to pull out of hosting @comicrelief. My incredible replacement is the better looking, more talented @vernonkay who is ace. I’ll be watching from home donating loads of money like everyone else."
Comic Relief's official Instagram account was one of the first to wish Joel a speedy recovery. They wrote: "We’ll miss you Joel, feel better soon. And we’re excited to see you @vernonkay."
The post, which included a picture of Joel crossed out next to the word covid, brought in hundreds of comments from well wishers, wishing him a speedy recovery. One person said: "Ah pal I’m so sorry! It’s coming for everyone- hope you feel fresh and healthy ASAP."
Vicky Pattison wrote: "I love you. Hope you feel better soon." While co-presenter Zoe Ball added: "Feel better damn. Boo no you! Hooray for Kay."