Australian Idol judge Marcia Hines is resting up ahead of the Australian Idol finale, which is set to take place on Monday night.
The 70-year-old singer left the set of the talent show in an ambulance after suffering a “medical emergency” during preparations for Sunday night’s penultimate episode.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Marcia Hines’ absence from Australian Idol explained.
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Guy Sebastian stepped in to replace Hines alongside her fellow fellow judges Kyle Sandilands and Amy Shark.
Sebastian shared an update on Marcia’s absence on Sunrise on Monday, alongside singer Sam Fisher.
“It was a busier day than planned,” he said.
“We were sound checking and when we got there it was a sombre mood.
“And so Marcia — obviously as Kyle said — had to leave, and she, from what I know, she’s OK.
“I think that was the main concern at the start.
“Then Kyle made a joke, ‘Oh, I guess they might get you to fill in’ and I laughed, then literally at the same time my manager who is over there, is like, ‘Guy, we need to speak’.”
Sebastian said he jumped straight into the role, calling it a “full circle” to fill in for the judge who guided him through the show in 2003.
Before the show went to air, Hines confirmed she would not be appearing.
“I’m very sorry that I’m not there with you all tonight. It’s been a big few days of work and I was feeling a little unwell. I’m resting up now so I can be back with you all tomorrow night (for the grand finale),” Hines posted on Instagram on Sunday.
During the live show, host Ricki-Lee Coulter assured fans the singing superstar was OK as she explained her absence.
Sandilands added: “She was taken out here in an ambulance. Just so everyone knows, she’s fine … she didn’t just ring in with a headache, but she’s fine.”
The top three contestants — Amy, Dylan and Denvah — performed in the episode, alongside Sam Fisher, Delta Goodrem, Morgan Evans and Conrad Sewell.
The winner will be revealed on Monday’s episode at 7.30pm on Channel 7 and 7plus.