Janet Street Porter and Jane MacDonald have both been sent home due to an outbreak of shingles. This wouldn't normally interest me only that the fella suffered a bout of shingles recently, which was fun for all involved.
For those of you who've never had the pleasure, it's a form of Chicken Pox which causes an outbreak usually around the chest, ribs or back. It feels like having a compass stabbing your flesh from the inside, while some ants with itching pounder on their feet have a happy dance on the surface. Then you've got the fever, the nausea, the insomnia, and so on...
Digital Spy reports: "Street Porter is said to have left production on Wednesday (April 4), while McDonald was forced to leave the studio minutes before going on air yesterday (April 5). Claire Sweeney was later contacted to join the show as a replacement. Presenter Andrea McLean allegedly had the disease recently, while an executive producer was sent home for two weeks with chickenpox. Show bosses are said to be concerned over the outbreak and any further spread may temporarily shut down the programme. 'Shingles is sweeping through the show and it has left us really stretched for staff and scrambling around for female presenters at the last minute. Jane came in at 8am and wasn't feeling well so she went to occupation health and they diagnosed her and sent her home. Her doctor has also told her to rest up. Luckily Claire was able to step in, but we are now drawing up a list of standby hosts in case anyone else calls in sick. We are down to the bare minimum of Loose Women."
On the upside, Jane MacDonald could release a stirring rendition of Shingle Bells at Christmas, and a bosanova version of Beyonce's Shingle Ladies in time for summer.
Apologies.
