'Big Brother' Season 23 Contestant Christie Valdiserri Tests Positive For COVID-19

It seems the 23rd season of the reality show "Big Brother" has to make some last moment changes in its cast. That's because one of the houseguests, Christie Valdiserri from season 23, has tested positive for COVID-19.

CBS revealed the list of the 16 cast members Thursday as the show is all set to premiere tomorrow, July 7 at 8 p.m. ET. However, the 27-year-old professional dancer shared a video via the official Instagram account of "Big Brother" Monday to let everyone know she had contracted COVID-19. Valdiserri also said she would no longer participate in the reality show, which has a grand prize of $500,000.

"@christie.valdiserri shares in her own words why she will not be competing in this season of Big Brother. We wish her all the best!" CBS captioned the video.

In the video, Valdiserri began by saying she "don't want to be sharing this news but I tested positive for COVID." She also revealed she had been vaccinated and had "no idea" how she had contracted the virus.

"I have the vaccine and I've been following all the guidelines up to this point." She further noted that she had "absolutely no symptoms, I feel perfectly fine so I'm really grateful for that but it's really frustrating because I won't be playing in Big Brother this summer."

Moreover, she reflected on the negative and positive comments she had received in the last 48 hours.

"And I just have to say that, when you're faced with adversity," she went on. "I'm just telling myself that it's for a bigger reason and I want to believe that. I don't know the reason yet, but I've had a roller coaster of emotions the last 48 hours and as I've been reading through all the comments online, whether they're good or bad, I just have to say that I have put myself out there and shared this vulnerability of being bald and all the comments -- good or bad -- are affecting everybody else that also is bald and experiences this vulnerability."

In conclusion, she urged the viewers to "spread love" and assured them she would "bounce back one way or another."

The show will air every Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday. Julie Chen Moonves will conduct the live eviction every Thursday.