Natalie Morales has been named a permanent co-host of “The Talk.”
The official word came on Monday afternoon’s episode of the Emmy Award-winning CBS talk show, which has been plagued by high profile turnovers within the last month.
On Oct. 11, the 22-year NBC News veteran, will fill the last open slot of the show, which currently includes Sheryl Underwood, Amanda Kloots, Jerry O’Connell and Akbar Gbajabiamila among its panel of co-hosts.
“We couldn’t be more excited to have Natalie Morales join The Talk family,” executive producers Heather Gray and Kristin Matthews said in the formal announcement.
“We have been fans of her and her work for years. Her varied skillset and versatility are a great addition to our talented panel. Natalie’s intelligence, passion and enthusiasm always shine through in all her work, and we are fortunate to have her on the team. In addition to her role as an exceptional broadcaster, we believe her perspective as a wife and mother will provide a special connection with our audience.”
“It’s an extraordinary opportunity to be joining this team at The Talk,” the 49-year-old mother of two said. “I love the new energy and direction and couldn’t be more excited to join Sheryl, Amanda, Jerry and Akbar. I’m looking forward to many good times while talking about the days’ topics, and I can’t wait to get going.”
Last month, Gbajabiamila joined the hourlong series in the wake of the unexpected August departures of Carrie Ann Inaba and Elaine Welteroth.
Sharon Osbourne, an original co-host of the show – which launched in 2010 – was fired in March after sparking a media firestorm over a racially-charged, on-air blowup with Underwood.
In July, Jerry O’Connell replaced her, becoming the first permanent male co-host of the female-centric chatfest, which returned for its 12th season in September.
Morales, who most recently served as the West Coast anchor of the “Today” show, announced Friday she was leaving NBC News after 22 years for an unspecified new opportunity.
Also a correspondent for “Dateline NBC” and anchor of “Behind Closed Doors,” the three-time Emmy Award-winning Rutgers University alum co-hosted “Access Hollywood.”
“This host configuration represents what the nations looks like and I think we’re going to have some great conversations,” Underwood told Morales during Monday’s segment.
According to published reports, she will continue to appear on “Dateline” through the end of the year.
———
