Taron Egerton Tests Positive For COVID-19 Weeks After Fainting On Stage
Taron Egerton has contracted COVID-19 and will miss a week from playing the role of M in his West End play, “Cock.”
Page Six reported that the producers of the live show made the announcement on Wednesday. On Instagram, the play’s official account released a statement, informing its audience about the actor’s condition, as well as the changes amid his absence due to recovery.
As noted, Egerton is isolating himself “in accordance with the production’s health and safety protocols.” It, also, said that they are expecting the actor to return to the show next week.
The post consequently stated that the “Kingsman” star’s understudy, Joel Harper-Jackson, would take the spot for the character of M in the play.
No further statement has been shared about his condition. Some reports, also, revealed that they had reached out to the actor’s reps for comment.
Taron Egerton’s diagnosis comes weeks after he fainted and collapsed on stage during the opening night of “Cock.” As reported, it took place last March 5 at the Ambassador Theater in London, where the play has continued its course for its 12-week run.
The Independent said that the production stopped after the 32-year-old celebrity fainted, according to People, adding that a doctor from the audience tended to him.
After a break in the show, director Marianne Elliott reportedly told the audience that Egerton was “absolutely fine.” Joel Harper-Jackson, his understudy, took over from him to play the role of M for the remaining 15 minutes of the show.
The following day, Taron Egerton released a statement on his Instagram account, informing his fans and followers about what happened the night before. He, also, assured everyone that he was “completely fine,” although he had a “slightly sore neck and a bruised ego,” according to CNN.
The “Robin Hood” actor, then, joked about putting a “positive spin” on the incident in the same post. He stated that he would appreciate it if people who attended the opening night would say he gave a “committed, electrified performance” that his “body could not handle it and checked out.”
In the same social media update, Egerton mentioned his understudy, Joel Harper-Jackson, and thanked him for stepping in “to do the last bit of the play.” He, also, deemed him an “amazing actor and a lovely person.”
Meanwhile, “Cock” officially opened on March 15 and will run through June 4. It follows a gay man, Josh, who begins questioning his sexuality after falling in love with a woman, W, causing complications to her relationship with Taron Egerton’s character, M.