Things are moving fast at “The Talk.”
Page Six reported weeks ago that the hit show was searching for a second male co-host to replace Carrie Ann Inaba, and former NFL player and host of “American Ninja Warrior,” Akbar Gbajabiamila, is just the man for the job.
“It is an absolute honor to be joining ‘The Talk’ as a host. I am so excited for this new generation of such a long-standing establishment,” he told The Hollywood Reporter.
“To be a part of this diverse group is truly a dream and a new statement for ‘The Talk.’ In a world as divided as ours, I look forward to showing up as my fun and authentic self every day and advocating for conversation over confrontation.”
‘THE TALK’ CO-HOST ELAINE WELTEROTH ANNOUNCES DEPARTURE AFTER LESS THAN A YEAR ON-AIR
Akbar Gbajabiamila is one of the new male co-hosts for ‘The Talk.’
(Weiss Eubanks/NBCUniversal/NBCU Photo Bank)
The announcement comes on the heels of Elaine Welteroth parting ways with the controversial chat fest earlier this week after less than a year.
Meanwhile, sources told us Inaba could no longer stomach the environment, and she confirmed her exit last month. Insiders told us at the time “The Talk” was seeking a male athlete or comic to replace her.
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Elaine Welteroth also announced that she will no longer serve as a co-host of ‘The Talk.’ She was present when Sharon Osbourne addressed her support of Piers Morgan’s public criticism of Meghan Markle, which sparked major fallout for the former reality star.
(Monty Brinton/CBS)
On September 13, Gbajabiamila, 42, will join Sheryl Underwood, Amanda Kloots and the first guy to join the panel, Jerry O’Connell, who was hired earlier this year to replace Sharon Osbourne amid the show’s infamous race row incident that forced her out.
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“It’s a new day in daytime for season 12 of ‘The Talk,’ and we are thrilled to welcome Akbar to the family. His engaging personality, openness and quick wit really impressed us when he appeared as a guest co-host last season,” executive producer and showrunner Heather Gray told THR.
