Akbar Gbajabiamila Joins ‘The Talk,’ Show Quick To Replace Exited Host Elaine Welteroth
'The Talk' continues to shake things up as hosts exit and replacements are quickly named. One interesting replacement is former NFL player Akbar Gbajabiamila.
The news comes days after it was announced that Elaine Welteroth is done. Akbar is slated to replace Carrie Ann Inaba, who took an extended leave before saying CBS and her mutually parted ways.
"It is an absolute honor to be joining @thetalkcbs as a host! I am so excited for this new generation of such a hallmark establishment in daytime television," he wrote on social media.
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"To be a part of this diverse group, is truly a dream," he continued. "I look forward to showing up as my fun and authentic self everyday and advocating for conversation over confrontation."
Akbar Gbajabiamila joins Jerry O'Connell, who was the first male to join the normally all-female cast.
Earlier this week, it was announced that Welteroth would not be returning, despite only working on the show for 1 year.
The show's EP, Heather Gray, is excited about the addition of Akbar.
“It’s a new day in daytime for season 12 of The Talk, and we are thrilled to welcome Akbar," she told The Hollywood Reporter.