Australian Idol judge Marcia Hines has given her fans a health update after missing Sunday night’s show due to illness.
Hines, 70, was absent from the penultimate episode of the popular Seven show after falling ill backstage at Sydney’s Coliseum Theatre before the show went to air.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Marcia Hines’ absence from Australian Idol explained.
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Hines was taken to hospital and inaugural Australian Idol winner Guy Sebastian took Hines’ judging seat for the night.
But on Monday afternoon, Hines took to social media to confirm she would be back for Monday night’s Grand Finale show.
“Thank you to everyone for all your well wishes and love,” she wrote in a message posted to Instagram.
“I’m feeling much better now and I’m so excited to see you all tonight for the Grand Finale of @australianidol, on from 7pm @channel7 @7plus.”
Fans were happy to hear that Hines was doing better.
“Sending you lots of love queen and well wishes,” one fan wrote.
“Excellent!!! Good to hear!” wrote another.
“Fantastic! I’m so glad you are feeling better,” wrote a third.
“I’ve really loved you on Idol, you have such a beautiful way of giving people feedback and encouragement 💜🙏🙌.”
‘Missing someone important’
On Sunday, the show opened with co-host Ricki-Lee Coulter noting Hines’ absence.
“Before we get into it, you will have spotted that we are missing someone very important and very special to the Idol family,” she said.
“Unfortunately, Marcia is unwell and unable to join us tonight.”
Fellow judge Kyle Sandilands then weighed in.
“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,” he said.
It’s understood Hines’ medical episode was connected to her Type 1 diabetes.
On Sunday she sent a message to her fans saying she was “very sorry” not to have been there for the live performances.
“It’s been a big few days of work and I was feeling a little unwell,” she said.
“I’m resting up now so I can be back with you all tomorrow night.”
Guy Sebastian told Sunrise on Monday morning that he was happy to step into the singing legend’s role for a night, calling it a “full circle” moment to fill in for the judge who guided him through the show in 2003.
Watch The Australian Idol Grand Finale on Channel 7 and 7plus from 7.30pm.
