One of the presenters of new daily BBC One show HealthCheck UK Live had to be replaced at the last minute today after being struck down by suspected coronavirus.

Dr Xand van Tulleken had been due to co-present the new show – airing weekdays at 10am for the next two weeks initially – alongside Michelle Ackerley. But he suffered symptoms similar to that of COVID-19 that led to heart complications requiring electric shock therapy.

He was replaced at the last minute by his twin brother Chris, who explained what had happened: “I’m sorry my brother is poorly, you know. I spoke to him yesterday, he’s been in isolation. ’m sure he’s had Covid-19 – he’s had a dry cough, a fever, they’ve resolved now. He still doesn’t have any sense of smell or taste. But he’s now out of isolation.

“Yesterday he did have a little blip with his heart, which can be a problem in the latter stages of the infection. But he is better now.”

HealthCheck UK Live, which also features broadcaster Angela Rippon and fitness instructor Mr Motivator, will address the concerns of viewers who are in isolation, offering tips on how to keep healthy and happy at home.

Rippon said: “Like millions of Britons across the country, and as an over 70, I will be self-isolating and ‘working from home’.

HealthCheck UK Live will offer a fantastic outlet to connect viewers and to remind us we can all fight this together.”