Andrew O’Keefe returns to The Chase following rehab
Following a relapse of a health crisis that previously forced him to take leave, Andrew O’Keefe returns to host The Chase with COVID-19 precautions in place.
Coronavirus
Don't miss out on the headlines from Coronavirus. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Andrew O’Keefe will return to the spotlight following another stint at rehab when filming resumes on The Chase.
The game show was halted earlier this year after the popular host suffered a relapse of the health crisis that forced him to take three months leave last year.
Following two separate stints in a Sydney clinic in 2019 for what he previously described as “exhaustion”, O’Keefe checked into a facility on Sydney’s northern fringe in March.
A Seven spokesperson today said filming will resume next week with COVID-19 safety measures in place.
“The 2020 season of The Chase starts filming next week. Given the current environment in relation to COVID-19, there are a number of safety and hygiene measures that have been put into place together with ITV Studios to minimise risk for the cast, crew and contestants.
“These will be overseen by a dedicated co-ordinator whose job it is to ensure these are adhered to at all times,” the spokesperson said.
“Measures include temperature checks on arrival followed daily briefings conducted by the COVID-19 co-ordinator; widespread instructional signage; implementation of personal distancing both on and off-camera including repositioning of host and contestants on-set, and personnel spread across multiple control rooms; rigorous catering practices (no shared food plates, individual food items etc) and expanded cleaning regimes.”
The Daily Telegraph previously reported that O’Keefe took a dig at network chiefs on February 12 when he stated during an interview that he was “fit and ready to film”.
This contradicted a statement from Seven to News Corp on February 6 when a spokesman said: “Andrew O’Keefe is taking time to manage and recover from a health issue.”
The Chase continues to dominate the 5pm slot, winning every single day since at least the start of 2019 and leading Nine’s Hot Seat by 14 per cent on average.