Earthquake Halts OD Tentations au soleil Filming in Panama

Production of the reality dating series OD Tentations au soleil has been suspended following a magnitude 7.7 earthquake in Panama on Friday. Productions J and Bell Media announced Sunday that host Maripier Morin and the contestants would return to Quebec soon while the teams assess options for the show's future.

The earthquake caused extensive damage across Panama, although no deaths had been reported at the time of the original report by Showbizz.net. The production halt affects OD Tentations au soleil, while the separate series Occupation Double Panama will continue airing as scheduled.

In a statement released Sunday, the production team confirmed the suspension and outlined the next steps for the cast and crew.

"Following the earthquake that struck Panama on Friday, the teams at Productions J and Bell Media had to suspend filming of OD Tentations au soleil. Maripier Morin and all the contestants will return to Quebec soon. The teams are currently evaluating the different options for this production. This situation has no impact on the broadcast of Occupation Double Panama, which will continue as planned."

The statement did not specify when filming might resume or what changes could be made to the production. The teams are still evaluating the available options following the disruption.

Lauriane, a contestant on the season, also addressed the situation on social media earlier Sunday. She reassured her followers that she and the other participants were safe and thanked the people working with them in Panama for their response to the earthquake.

"I would like to take a moment to thank the teams who were with us on site and who reacted quickly to support us and ensure our safety during the major earthquake that struck Panama. I am doing well, and we are safe. I am sending lots of strength to the residents of Panama and the other countries affected by this disaster."

The suspension is expected to delay the third season of OD Tentations au soleil, which had been scheduled to premiere on Crave at the beginning of winter. Showbizz.net reported that further details about the production's plans could emerge in the coming weeks.