Zoe Ball attends a performance of Cabaret
(Picture: Dave Benett)Zoe Ball has become the latest star to drop out of Comic Relief after testing positive for Covid.
The radio presenter, 51, had been due to host the show on Friday night alongside a star-studded line-up including Sir Lenny Henry, David Tennant and Paddy McGuinness.
However, she has announced that she will now be forced to watch the show from bed following her sudden illness.
TV presenter Joel Dommett and pop sensation Kylie Minogue have also pulled out of the event after testing positive for Covid.
Ball wrote on Twitter: “Pook ! fell at last hurdle and have had positive lat flows this am – noooooooo – gorgeous @AleshaOfficial is going to work the double shift tonight on @ComicRelief, i owe you lady love – good luck to A, Lenny, David, Paddy, AJ, Vernon, & the @comicrelief gang.”
In a follow-up tweet, she added: “There are so many brilliant treats in store tonight.
“i’ll be watching & supporting from bed (probably in full make up, outfit, heels and all) might invite @joeldommett over #sickbay COMIC RELIEF @BBCOne 7pm #rednoseday.”
Minogue was due to appear in a sketch with the cast of BBC comedy Ghosts.
However, fans were left disappointed after she announced on Thursday night that she has been forced to watch the event from home after being struck down by the virus.
Comedian Dommett, who also hosts ITV’s The Masked Singer, was forced to pull out of presenting late-night show The Great Comic Relief Prizeathon alongside AJ Odudu after also returning a positive test.
He will be replaced by TV star Vernon Kay on the night.
The Comic Relief Prizeathon is scheduled to follow the BBC News At Ten on Friday evening.
The main show will be broadcast from the BBC studios in Salford for the first time.
Matt Lucas, David Walliams, Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders are among the stars taking part.
Jack Whitehall will participate in a game of mini-golf with footballers Declan Rice and Mason Mount.
The Great Comic Relief Prizeathon airs on BBC One and iPlayer at 10.35pm on Friday, with The Red Nose Day Comic Relief TV special broadcasting from 7pm.
