The singer, 46, was forced to step out of the band’s ongoing ‘What The Future Holds’ concert series on Saturday prior to their appearance at London’s O2 Arena. Latchford-Evans’ positive test result comes on the same day that fellow Steps-bandmate Faye Tozer comes out of her own isolation period after testing positive for Covid-19 earlier this month.
The group issued an announcement about the “disappointing news” on Instagram:
"We are sorry to report that in disappointing news, Lee this morning tested positive for Covid-19 which means he is now isolating and will unfortunately be absent for the remainder of our ‘What The Future Holds’ tour.
"We intend to carry on with the remaining three shows while the rest of us test negative.
"In good news, in line with government guidelines, Faye returns from her isolation today and will be performing at the O2 tonight.
"We will continue Covid testing ourselves and all our crew daily. We hope you will join us in wishing Lee a speedy recovery."
In his own separate Instagram Stories posts, Latchford-Evans admitted to being “absolutely gutted” by his test results.
"I should be here doing what I love. Instead I'll be quarantining and not even be able to hug my wife or hold my baby boy,” he wrote alongside a photo of the O2 arena.
In a recent interview Faye Tozer claimed that she was “baffled” that she’d contracted the virus, given the groups stringent precautionary measures.
"I am baffled and gutted after being so tight on our preventative measures.
"Thankful for our daily testing to have been able to recognise it and so the show can still go on.
"Please give the guys the biggest love as they continue to smash the shows and I hope to be back soon,” Tozer added.
