The fiance of ex-Towie star Harry Derbidge has revealed he is in isolation and has been tested for the coronavirus after returning from Thailand. 

Dean Rowland took to social media today to confirm he is currently in isolation at Basildon Hospital after undergoing tests. 

What is coronavirus? 

He posted a picture on Instagram of him wearing a facemask at Basildon Hospital. 

He stated he had been suffering from flu-like symptoms after returning from a holiday in Thailand. 

He said: "I've basically been really ill with flu the last few days and as I have recently visited Thailand my doctors thought it would be best that I am tested for Corona virus.

"Tests are now done and I will be isolated for the next few days until my results come back."

More than 45,000 patients have caught the virus across the world and at least 1,100 have died.

The Echo is aware of widespread rumours of a person being tested for the illness in Southend Hospital.

We have made repeated attempts to put eyewitnesses' accounts to the hospital's press team to allow them to either confirm or deny the situation.

At this stage, we have not had a satisfactory response to publish anything concrete.