Comedian Lee Mack 'tests positive for coronavirus' after attending Cheltenham Festival

  • Lee, 51, is said to have contracted COVID-19 and is self-isolating 
  • The comedian attended the controversial Cheltenham Festival 
  • The racing event event came under criticism at the time for allowing thousands of racegoers to huddle together, risking a spread of the virus

By Rebecca Lawrence For Mailonline

Published: | Updated:

Lee Mack has reportedly tested positive for coronavirus. 

The comedian, 51, is said to have contacted COVID-19 while attending the controversial Cheltenham Festival earlier this month. 

The racing event came under criticism at the time for allowing thousands of racegoers to huddle together, risking a spread of the virus.  

Unwell: Lee Mack has reportedly tested positive for coronavirus . The comedian, 51, is said to have caught COVID-19 attending Cheltenham Festival (pictured at the event)

Unwell: Lee Mack has reportedly tested positive for coronavirus . The comedian, 51, is said to have caught COVID-19 attending Cheltenham Festival (pictured at the event)

A friend of the comedian's told The Mirror: 'Lee has got coronavirus. It looks like he caught it from his driver when he went to the Cheltenham Festival.'

The Not Going Out star attended the races for Ladies Day and for St Patrick's Day.

Lee - whose real name is Lee Gordon McKillop - is said to be self-isolating at home whilst he battles the virus. 

MailOnline has contacted Lee's representatives for comment.  

Super spreaders? Over 250,000 people attended the Cheltenham Festival with Lee being one of them. The horse racing event was one of the last major sporting spectacles to close

Super spreaders? Over 250,000 people attended the Cheltenham Festival with Lee being one of them. The horse racing event was one of the last major sporting spectacles to close

Over 250,000 people attended the Cheltenham Festival, with Lee being one of them.

The horse racing event was one of the last major sporting spectacles to close as a result of the outbreak.  

Race course boss Ian Renton, speaking to 5 Live Sport, said organisers had been careful to ensure the safety of fans attending the event.

'We have heard from the government that racing does continue in this country and that the festival will continue to its ultimatum.

'We have put the measures in place – as we said we would here – and we've been pleased to see the crowds enjoying some fantastic racing.'

Staying home: Lee - whose real name is Lee Gordon McKillop - is said to be self-isolating at home whilst he battles the virus (pictured at Cheltenham on March 13)

Staying home: Lee - whose real name is Lee Gordon McKillop - is said to be self-isolating at home whilst he battles the virus (pictured at Cheltenham on March 13) 

Lee is just one of several celebrities who have tested positive for coronavirus. 

Among the stars battling the virus are Linda Lusardi, Cascada and Idris Elba. 

Tom Hanks was the first public figure to announce he had contracted the virus, and was hospitalised in Australia alongside his wife Rita Wilson. 

On Sunday, the Oscar-winning actor gave fans an update on his health, as he recommended those hoping to halt its spread should stay home.

Tom tweeted: 'Hey, folks. Two weeks after our first symptoms and we feel better.

'Sheltering in place works like this: You don't give it to anyone -You don't get it from anyone. Common sense, no? 

'Going to take awhile, but if we take care of each other, help where we can, and give up some comforts...this, too, shall pass. We can figure this out. Hanx.'

Recovering: Tom Hanks was the first public figure to announce he had contracted the virus, and was hospitalised in Australia alongside his wife Rita Wilson

Recovering: Tom Hanks was the first public figure to announce he had contracted the virus, and was hospitalised in Australia alongside his wife Rita Wilson

Cheltenham FestivalLee MackCovid-19

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