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Australian Idol judge Marcia Hines made a welcome return in time for the Grand Finale after a medical emergency meant she was absent from Sunday night’s show.
The beloved 70-year-old singing legend was replaced by guest judge Guy Sebastian after she fell ill backstage at the Coliseum Theatre in Sydney.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Marcia Hines returns to Australian Idol.
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It’s understood that Hines’ medical incident was related to her Type 1 diabetes.
Taking to Instagram on Sunday, Hines wrote: “I’m very sorry that I’m not there with you all tonight”.
“It’s been a big few days of work, and I was feeling a little unwell,” she added.
“I’m resting up now so I can be back with you all tomorrow night.”
And back she was, as Top Three performers Dylan Wright, Denvah Baker-Moller and Amy Reeves fought it out to become Australia’s next Idol.
Co-hosts Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie said it was “so good to have you back” and that everyone had missed her on Sunday night’s program.
Asked how she was feeling, Marcia said she felt “fine”.
“I want to thank everybody who reached out towards me, you know,” she said.
“I do appreciate it.
“And you guys need to know – I couldn’t have missed this for the world.
“I couldn’t have.”
Marcia said she had “stitches and everything” after collapsing backstage before Sunday night’s show, briefly lifting up her hair to show stitches on her forehead.
“It is all good. I’m good. I go back to the hospital tonight,” she added jokingly.
Ricki-Lee praised Marcia for getting “glammed up” for the big occasion.
“We love you are here, right everybody?” she said, as the audience broke out into loud applause.
Earlier in the day, Guy Sebastian explained a little of what had happened on Sunday.
“It was a busier day than planned,” he said, speaking to Sunrise co-hosts Kylie Gillies and Matt Shirvington.
“We were sound checking and when we got there it was a sombre mood.
“And so Marcia — obviously as Kyle said — had to leave, and she, from what I know, she’s OK.
“I think that was the main concern at the start.
“Then Kyle made a joke, ‘Oh, I guess they might get you to fill in’ and I laughed, then literally at the same time my manager who is over there, is like, ‘Guy, we need to speak’.”
Sebastian said he jumped straight into the role, calling it a “full circle” moment to fill in for the judge who guided him through the show in 2003.
During the live show, host Ricki-Lee Coulter assured fans the singing superstar was OK as she explained her 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.”
Sandilands added: “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.”
Social media users rushed to wish Hines well.
“Wishing Marcia Hines a speedy recovery,” one fan wrote on X.
“I pray Marcia Hines is OK,” said another.
“One of the greatest Australian artists.”
Australian Idol continues on Channel 7 and 7plus.