#These ‘Big Brother’ all-star contestants are undergoing COVID-19 testing

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“Big Brother” host Julie Chen Moonves is going back to work.
CBS

As they say in “Big Brother” — expect the unexpected. Despite the coronavirus pandemic, the original quarantine reality show is set to return this summer with a second “All Stars” season.

Spoiler alert: A number of potential contestants arrived Tuesday in Los Angeles, TMZ reports.

Among the familiar faces: season 19 winner Josh Martinez, season 8 runner-up Daniele Donato, season 18 alum Paulie Calafiore, season 18 winner Nicole Franzel, season 20 runner-up Tyler Crispen, three-time contestant Janelle Pierzina, season 14 winner Ian Terry, season 12 winner Hayden Moss and season 20 alum Bayleigh Dayton. The first all-star season aired on CBS in 2006.

Production sources revealed that a core list — and an alternate list — of potential houseguests must quarantine for two weeks and get tested for the coronavirus. They’ll need a negative test to get invited back into the house — otherwise, they’ll be sent packing before they get another crack at the half-million-dollar prize.

The CBS production crews that have begun work are following strict health and safety protocols with crew being regularly tested for the coronavirus, Deadline reports. They are reportedly sporting PPE equipment and observing social distancing measures as they go about construction.

“Big Brother” premiered in July 2000 and has been summer’s guiltiest pleasure since. Contestants are quarantined from the outside world — that’s right, “Big Brother” has been sheltering in place before that became our reality — in a house rigged with 87 cameras and 110 microphones, according to CBS Watch. Fans log on to the live streams online to watch them eat, sleep, hook up and strategize.

The reality TV mainstay was in the middle of casting its 22nd season when the coronavirus outbreak hit. With fresh faces no longer an option, execs pivoted to an All-Star edition, since the contestants are already familiar with the show.

The Julie Chen Moonves-hosted reality competition is expected to kick off sometime in August.