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Today host's sore throat sparks concern: 'Should've worn a mask'
A host on the Today show has sparked concern from viewers after his croaky voice and sore throat threatened to derail his on-air news bulletin on Monday morning.
Alex Cullen, who presents news and sports updates on the morning TV program, was forced to apologise when his voice audibly cracked while reading an update on the COVID-19 situation in Victoria.
“Excuse my voice please, folks,” he said, prompting co-host Karl Stefanovic to ask him to explain why he sounded so different to his usual self.
Alex revealed that his scratchy throat was the result of breathing in ‘particles’ while sanding back some freshly painted walls at his home over the weekend.
“I was breathing it in. I should have worn a mask,” he admitted. “I do normally but I was in a bit of a rush.”
Alex went on to say that after his DIY session his throat was ‘a bit’ sore and that he was “coughing and carrying on on the Saturday night” but hoped to be feeling better soon.
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He also made it clear that he did not have the coronavirus.
Viewers at home took to Twitter to share their concern for Alex’s health, with the presenter himself responding to their comments to reassure everyone he was doing fine.
“I hope @alextcullen’s voice is ok!” wrote one, to which Alex responded, “Thanks Judy! I’ll be ok. Never sand filler without a mask!”
“Good on you for trying to continue your news broadcast when you couldn’t clear the ‘frog’ in your throat,” wrote another.
“Thank you Chris! I appreciate that. Hot tip for amateur renovators. Wear a mask when sanding!” Alex replied.
Back in March, it was revealed that 20 Today staff members were forced to quarantine after guest of the show Rita Wilson and her husband Tom Hanks had both tested positive for the coronavirus.
Rita had appeared on Today Extra for an interview with hosts Belinda Russell and David Campbell, where she also performed at the network’s studio in North Sydney.
The A-list couple arrived in Australia in January, with Rita performing on stage and Tom working on Baz Luhrmann’s untitled Elvis Presley movie. The pair contracted the virus and were hospitalised for less than a week on the Gold Coast before returning to the US in late March.
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