Cancer-stricken Olivia Newton-John WASN’T exposed to coronavirus last week because her interview with Today’s Richard Wilkins was actually filmed in 2018
Olivia Newton-John’s fans can breathe a sigh of relief.
The 71-year-old actress wasn’t exposed to COVID-19 last week, despite being pictured with coronavirus-positive reporter Richard Wilkins on Instagram.
Richard had uploaded the photo of himself, Olivia and actor Paul Hogan on Tuesday, leading many to assume it was taken recently. But it’s actually 18 months old.
Phew! Olivia Newton-John (centre) wasn’t exposed to coronavirus last week because her interview with Richard Wilkins (left) was actually filmed in 2018. Pictured with Paul Hogan
The picture in question showed Richard, Olivia and Paul on set of The Very Excellent Mr Dundee in September 2018 in Melbourne.
Richard recorded his interview with the stars at the time, but it wasn’t aired until last week to coincide with the film’s release date.
Olivia has an increased risk of being affected by the pandemic because of her history with cancer – but fans don’t have to worry about her catching it from Richard.
At risk: Olivia has an increased risk of being affected by the pandemic because of her history with cancer – but fans don’t have to worry about her catching it from Richard. Pictured with her daughter, Chloe Lattanzi
It’s believed she hasn’t spoken to Richard since the COVID-19 breakout and he therefore hasn’t exposed her to the deadly virus.
The four-time Grammy winner was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992, undergoing a partial mastectomy and reconstruction.
Olivia battled cancer for a second time in 2013, but kept the illness private.
She revealed in September 2018 that she was battling cancer for the third time since her first diagnosis more than 25 years ago.
Olivia, who is an advocate for medicinal cannabis and natural remedies, told The Daily Telegraph in February that her tumours were receding.
She said: ‘My tumours are receding or they’re going away or they’re staying the same, on a Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer – that’s pretty amazing.’
The Xanadu star also told Daily Mail Australia at the G’Day USA gala earlier this year that she was ‘getting stronger and better all the time’.
‘I am winning over it and living with it well,’ she said. ‘I don’t think about it a lot, to be honest. Denial is a wonderful thing. I am getting stronger and better all the time.’
Cancer battler: Olivia, who is an advocate for medicinal cannabis and natural remedies, told The Daily Telegraph in February that her tumours were receding. Pictured at the Fire Fight bushfire relief concert in Sydney on February 16
Confirmed case: Channel Nine confirmed on Sunday that Richard, who had briefly met singer Rita Wilson at the Sydney Opera House on March 7, had tested positive for coronavirus
Channel Nine confirmed on Sunday that Richard, who had briefly met singer Rita Wilson at the Sydney Opera House on March 7, had tested positive for coronavirus.
Rita and her husband, Oscar-winning actor Tom Hanks, tested positive for COVID-19 on the Gold Coast on Thursday.
On Sunday, Richard tweeted: ‘Sincere thanks for all the messages… I really appreciate it. It’s actually a bizarre feeling to have tested positive to this thing we’ve all been talking about. I feel 100 per cent… no symptoms at all!’
- Cancer Council can offer cancer-related information and support on 13 11 20
- The Coronavirus Health Information Line is 1800 020 080
Rita (left) and her husband, Oscar-winning actor Tom Hanks (right), tested positive for coronavirus on the Gold Coast on Thursday