Julie Chen to miss Big Brother live eviction for first time, taps Jerry O'Connell to host

On Thursday, Sept. 12, Big Brother host Julie Chen Moonves announced that, for the first time since the show's debut in 2000, she would not be hosting the live eviction episode. Sharing that she had fallen ill, she revealed that Jerry O'Connell would be stepping in for her. "Friday morning, I woke up with a sore throat and visited my good friend, an ENT," she wrote on social media.


"That night, he called to inform me that I have COVID. Fortunately, this is only my second time, and the symptoms are mild—no fever, just a sore throat." She added, "As of this morning, I'm still testing positive. Despite feeling strong and having no cough, I must sit out tonight's live eviction show."


Expressing her gratitude, she thanked O'Connell for filling in, humorously adding, "I hope Jerry fits into my dress, has a blast, and tells the houseguests I miss them but will be watching from home." She signed off with her signature line, "See? Chenbot is human after all! Love one another and enjoy tonight’s show." On *The Talk* the same day, where O'Connell co-hosts, he joked on Instagram about being the "substitute teacher" for the night. On air, he shared his excitement: "As a huge *Big Brother* fan and an admirer of Julie Chen Moonves, it's an honor." Chen Moonves called in to check on the situation and gave O’Connell some advice, saying, "Jerry, thank you for stepping in. You’re going to do an amazing job tonight." O'Connell responded with enthusiasm, "Tonight's a big night—it's eviction night. I think the houseguests are going to be surprised when they don’t see you!" Chen Moonves teased him, explaining that it was the first episode of “jury house isolation,” and jokingly told O'Connell about the shoes—and corset—he’d need to fill to take on her role.