Jerry O’Connell Subs For Julie Chen As ‘Big Brother’ Host & Surprises Houseguests During Live Eviction

Jerry O’Connell debuted as Big Brother host in substitution for Julie Chen Moonves, who had to sit out her duties due to Covid.

“No need to adjust your television, I am not Julie Chen Moonves,” O’Connell said at the top of the hour. “Julie unfortunately has a mild case of Covid and is unable to make it tonight, but rest assured, Julie is fine. I spoke to her earlier today and will return for next week’s eviction.”

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O’Connell used some of Chen Moonves’ signature phrases, like “Expect the unexpected” and “But first,” before telling the houseguests he was the host tonight.

“Hello, houseguests,” O’Connell said, shocking the houseguests by seeing a different face on eviction night.

RELATED: ‘Big Brother’ Season 26 Week 8 Eviction: First Jury Member Revealed After Houseguest Votes

The houseguests are disconnected from the outside world, and Chen Moonves’ is the only person they see during their stay in the Big Brother house. Having O’Connell talk to the houseguests was a surprise to all of them, judging by their faces when they saw him on the screen in the living room.

“I am a huge Big Brother fan and I just want to thank you all for this season,” O’Connell told the houseguests. “I will be filling in for Julie tonight. Now Julie is just fine and will return next week — for now, you’re stuck with me.”

RELATED: ‘Big Brother’ Season 26 Cast Photos

Earlier in the day, Chen Moonves took to social media to say she would not host Big Brother due to Covid and talked about her symptoms.

“Friday morning I woke up with a sore throat and went to see my good friend who is an ENT. That night he called to say I have Covid,” Chen Moonves said in a statement shared on Instagram. “Thankfully this is only the second time for me and it’s been very mild! No fever and just a sore throat.”

Chen Moonves also returned to The Talk to advise O’Connell before subbing in for her on the CBS show.

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