The set of Loose Women has reportedly been hit by an outbreak of shingles.
A number of the ITV1 show's presenters and crew have contracted the viral disease over the past few weeks, reports The Mirror.
Janet Street Porter and Jane McDonald were both sent home this week with the illness, which is similar to chickenpox.
Street Porter is said to have left production on Wednesday (April 4), while McDonald was forced to leave the studio minutes before going on air yesterday (April 5).
Claire Sweeney was later contacted to join the show as a replacement.
Presenter Andrea McLean allegedly had the disease recently, while an executive producer was sent home for two weeks with chickenpox.
Show bosses are said to be concerned over the outbreak and any further spread may temporarily shut down the programme.
"Shingles is sweeping through the show and it has left us really stretched for staff and scrambling around for female presenters at the last minute," an ITV source said.
"Jane came in at 8am and wasn't feeling well so she went to occupation health and they diagnosed her and sent her home. Her doctor has also told her to rest up.
"Luckily Claire was able to step in, but we are now drawing up a list of standby hosts in case anyone else calls in sick. We are down to the bare minimum of Loose Women."
McLean pulled out of presenting Loose Women earlier this year after suffering a panic attack.
