Jingle Bell Ball 2021: Coldplay and Lil Nas X pull out due to teams testing positive for Covid-19

Coldplay and Lil Nas X pulled out of the Jingle Bell Ball at the last minute due to Covid-19 (Picture: Getty)

Coldplay and Lil Nas X will no longer be performing at Capital’s Jingle Bell Ball with Barclaycard after members of their team tested positive for coronavirus.

The radio station confirmed that two of the biggest acts of the weekend were forced to pull out and will be replaced by Arrdee and Tom Grennan, with Justin Bieber and Ed Sheeran planned to be performing longer sets.

Capital said in a statement: ‘Sadly we have to announce that Coldplay and Lil Nas X have had to pull out of performing at this weekend’s Jingle Bell Ball with Barclaycard. 

‘Both acts have had members of their teams test positive for Covid-19 and therefore are not able to perform. We’d like to wish the very best and a speedy recovery to Coldplay, Lil Nas X and their teams. 

‘Of course everyone at Capital is absolutely gutted, but the show must go on…

‘As a result of the changes, ArrDee and Tom Grennan will be joining the line-up. ArrDee will be taking to the Jingle Bell Ball Stage on both Saturday and Sunday night whilst Tom Grennan will be performing on Saturday night.

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Many fans were coming along to see Lil Nas X, who has had to pull out (Picture: Giorgio Viera/AFP via Getty Images)

Coldplay had been one of the biggest acts of the Jingle Bell Ball (Picture: PA)

‘We’d also like to confirm that at this time, Justin Bieber and Ed Sheeran will be also playing extended sets on their respective nights.’

The hugely popular Lil Nas X had recorded a video message apologising for having to pull out at the last minute.

He said in it: ‘Hey you guys, I’m so sorry I couldn’t make it. A few of the members of my team got Covid and we just don’t want to be irresponsible and risk it.

‘Hope you guys have an amazing time, I love you and I’ll see you soon.’

Jesy Nelson will also take to the stage (Picture: PA)

Good news for Beliebers, Justin Bieber will perform a longer set (Picture: NBC / BACKGRID)

The Jingle Bell Ball had been set to be the very first multi-artist concert at London’s O2 since the pandemic began.

Joining headliners Ed and Justin, are Mabel, Joel Corry, and Anne-Marie, as well as rapper and YouTuber KSI, the recently regrouped JLS, and rising star Griff.

Saturday will mark former Little Mix star Jesy Nelson’s first major solo performance following her exit from the band and the release of her single Boyz.

Boyband JLS will also take to the stage nine years after their last Jingle Bell Ball show, after kicking off their comeback tour.

While the UK faces greater restrictions with the sharp rise in cases of the Omicron variant of coronavirus, events are currently still allowed to take place.