Photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty
The Talkhas a new host!
CBS announced Thursday thatAkbar Gbajabiamilawill be the latest co-host of the daytime talk show, two days afterElaine Welterothexitedthe series following one season. TheAmerican Ninja Warriorstar and former NFL player will join current co-hostsAmanda Kloots,Sheryl UnderwoodandJerry O’Connellfor the upcoming 12th season.
“It is an absolute honor to be joiningThe Talkas a host!” Gbajabiamila, 42, said in a statement. “I am so excited for this new generation of such a long-standing establishment. To be a part of this diverse group, is truly a dream and a new statement forThe Talk. In a world as divided as ours, I look forward to showing up as my fun and authentic self everyday and advocating for conversation over confrontation.”
“It’s a new day in daytime for season 12 ofThe Talkand 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 said.
The Talk.Randee St. Nicholas/CBS via Getty
Her co-showrunner and EP Kristin Matthews added, “Akbar’s candor and humor come with ease and are great additions to the conversation. Also, his relatability as a husband and father creates a special connection with the viewers that is invaluable.”
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“It is an absolute honor for anyone, but especially a young Black woman, to occupy space on-air where our perspectives are largely underrepresented. It was gratifying to be able to show up as my authentic self in front of a live national audience every day in a world as divided as ours and to stay true to myself and what I stand for,” she said in part.
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“I want to announce that today,The Talk, CBS and I have mutually agreed to part ways,” she began hervideo message. “And I just want to say that I’m filled with gratitude for the experience and for this chapter of my life that has beenThe Talk. I have made lifelong friendships, I’ve had incredible experiences and I’ve had wonderful discussions that helped me evolve as a human being. And it’s been an honor to be a part of your lives and to have a voice.”
The departures of Welteroth and Inaba, 53, also followedSharon Osbourne’s controversial exitfrom the show in March.
In July, O’Connell, 47, wasannounced as Osbourne’s replacement, becomingThe Talk’s first full-time male co-host.
Season 12 ofThe Talkpremieres Monday, Sept. 13 on CBS.
source: people.com
