The One Show’s Rickshaw Challenge for BBC Children In Need has been halted after a member of crew tested positive for coronavirus.
The annual show sees former Blue Peter star Matt Baker travel the equivalent of 332 miles with six young people who have been supported by BBC Children In Need funded projects.
The young participants were sent home from the challenge today after a crew member tested positive. The One Show team is exploring ways in which Baker and Team Rickshaw can continue the challenge from home.
“Ahead of the challenge, following medical advice, a set of robust safety measures were put in place to minimise the risk of infection to all of those involved," said BBC Children In Need in a statement.
"On site the team was following Government guidelines with strict social distancing measures enforced at all times and routine testing was scheduled several times throughout the challenge to ensure early detection and elimination of any Covid-19 cases.
"During one of these routine tests, a positive result was confirmed amongst a member of the crew and immediate action was taken.”
This year marked the show’s tenth series. The format was slightly different from previous shows due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The team planned to ride the equivalent of Baker’s first solo Rickshaw ride in 2011, from Edinburgh to London, but from within the grounds of the Goodwood Estate in West Sussex.
Speaking at the time the tenth show was announced, Baker said: "In a year that has been tough for everyone, I am delighted that we can bring the Rickshaw Challenge back for the tenth year.
In the spirit of doing what we can, we’re doing our best to make it as safe as possible for everybody involved and that includes our supporters that would usually come out to see us.
So this year instead of coming out on the streets we’re asking people to support us from the comfort of their own homes by tuning in to The One Show each evening.”
