'The Talk' Reportedly Looking To Replace Carrie Ann Inaba With A Male Co-Host
The Talk is apparently looking to add more men to the conversation.
Although neither Carrie Ann Inaba nor the show have confirmed the brunette beauty's exit, it's been reported that the beloved talk show is looking to fill Inaba's empty seat at the table with a man.
“They haven’t announced it, but Carrie Ann is not returning, and they’ve been trying out comics and athletes to take her place," a source told Page Six. Meanwhile, former co-host Sharon Osbourne was already replaced by Jerry O'Connell following her controversial exit months prior.
News of Inaba's possible replacement came after she announced in April that she would be taking time away from the show to focus on her "health and well-being." At the time, she took to Instagram, writing: “We all know health is the most precious gift we have. And I need to take care of mine." The 53-year-old said she appreciated the "love and support" from fans as well as her "family at The Talk."
Though she concluded her post by insisting she's hoping to "be back soon," an insider claimed Inaba wasn't happy with the show's March controversy involving Osbourne.
As OK! previously reported, Osbourne came under fire for defending Piers Morgan's freedom of speech after he questioned comments made by Meghan Markle about her time as a member of the royal family.
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- Carrie Ann Inaba Taking Leave Of Absence From 'The Talk' To Focus On Her 'Well-Being' Following Sharon Osbourne Scandal
- Sharon Osbourne's Lawyers Watching 'The Talk' Return Closely — Ex-Host Ready To 'Punch Back' If The Ladies 'Trash' Her Name, Source Spills
During a segment on the talk show, co-host Sheryl Underwood questioned how Osbourne could defend someone who "uttered something racist." The ladies' on-air spat resulted in the show being put on hiatus and an investigation into the episode. In the end, Osbourne parted ways with the show, walking away with a hefty paycheck.
Meanwhile, the Dancing with the Stars judge was absent when the incident went down and shocked by all the changes made on the show in light of the controversial disagreement.
“After the incident, they brought in a diversity and inclusion agency to help repair the situation, and Carrie Ann openly griped that she was being punished for things while she was out," the insider explained. "She returned to a new environment, and she also didn’t like that the show is starting to tackle more serious issues."
While Inaba congratulated and thanked everyone "who works on the show" when CBS announced in June that The Talk has been renewed for a 12th season, she didn't provide an update on her health or return.
According to another insider, Inaba's departure has not yet been confirmed since "Everyone wants her back," said the source. "No decisions have been made.”
On the other hand, Inaba appeared to be more than enthused about the return of DWTS, taking to Instagram in July to share: “Bring on the ballroom. #DWTS returns to ABC September 20… I’ll be there!”
