Television host Holly Willoughby fled from the Celebrity Juice studios after pal Keith Lemon displayed coronavirus symptoms.
The ITV presenter was one of several stars who were dressed in fancy dress to film an episode of the ITV2 hit show which was later cancelled.
While the studio audience exited the BBC Television Centre, Keith, 46, apologised and admitted he knew he had a high temperature but wanted to “soldier on”.
The comedian, real name Leigh Francis, was dressed as the Bee Gee’s icon Robin Gibb with a set of false teeth while blonde bombshell Holly, 39, was dressed as Blondie hitmaker Debbie Harry.
While fellow panellist Paddy McGuinness was dressed as Spice Girl Geri Horner, donning the iconic Union Flag dress worn at the BRIT Awards.
It’s believed that Keith was checked over by medics before being declared ok but ITV bosses were not taking any chances.
Speaking to the audience before the show being axed, Keith said: “I probably won’t give you a high five in case I give you what I’ve got.
(Image: Paddy McGuinness/Instagram)
“I’m just a bit dizzy and, as I say, achey and got a little cough but not worth talking about. I’m just really tired. I keep getting hot and cold.”
Speaking to The Sun, one angered audience member said: “Keith casually announced he had a fever of 38 degrees but soldiered on.
“He had close contact with some members of the audience and very close contact with his colleagues.
(Image: Keith Lemon/Instagram)
“We were appalled he came in to film with a very large studio audience, some of whom have severe health problems such as myself, and some were elderly.”
Ahead of filming, Lemon took to his Instagram page to reveal he was feeling under the weather.
He said: “I don’t have Coronavirus symptoms but I don’t feel 100% Must be something else going around.
(Image: Joel Dommett/Instagram)
“Hope I don’t start feeling compelled to buy all the supermarkets toilet paper stock!”
Taking to Instagram, Paddy McGuinness said: “Well that escalated quickly. We were all set to record @celebjuiceofficial audience in and then we hear Boris Johnson’s speech and that was that! Audience out, show cancelled…for now!!!!
“Still I got to spend a bit of time with my boy @keithlemon. Stay safe, keep an eye out for the elderly and wash them hands!!!”
Joel Dommett who was due to appear on the show branded it a “weird evening”
