TODAY host Jenna Bush Hager has been replaced by a fan favorite after the NBC show made a major annoouncement.
Thursday’s edition of the programme saw usual host Hoda Kotb joined by Willie Geist as 40-year-old Jenna took some time off.
GettyHoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager hosting Today back in September[/caption]
ABCJenna was replaced by Willie Geist on Thursday’s show as the usual host took some time off[/caption]
Hoda, 58, began the broadcast and said: “Hey everybody it’s Thursday on November 10th, Jenna’s off!”
She then joked: “WIllie’s got his track shoes on man! He literally… we’re across the street, you’ve gotta go down an elevator, you’ve gotta run across the street, you’ve gotta come up… refreshed.”
Willie, 47, replied: “Just ripped off my tie, because this is loose me!”
Hoda then asked him: “Do you like being the loose you? Is that so much more of you?”
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“Erm, probably!” he responded before adding: “The no tie, jeans, sneakers, I think that’s probably…”
Dad-of-two Willie is co-anchor of MSNBC’s Morning Joe and anchor of Sunday Today with Willie Geist.
But he frequently serves as a fill-in anchor on both the weekday edition and the Saturday edition of Today.
During Thursday’s show, Hoda noted certain similarities between Jenna and Willie.
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Referring to partying, Hoda said: “You and Jenna are similar in that way, you both have the two sides.”
“We get ‘turnt’ is the word I think!” Willie replied as Hoda revealed their first guest of the day would be Michelle Obama.
Willie’s appearance came after Hoda and Jenna shared a big announcement earlier this week.
At the start of The Today Show‘s fourth hour on Monday, the ladies revealed that they would be welcoming back a studio audience.
“This is not any Monday, Jenna,” Hoda teased to her co-host.
“No, it is not just your typical Monday because we have a big announcement,” Jenna continued.
The ladies glared at the camera before gushing over the highly-anticipated news.
“First of all, we’ve been teasing it, and we’re very excited because this means a lot to Jenna and myself, and our show, and to you too!” Hoda said, pointing at the lens.
BIG ANNOUNCEMENT
The co-hosts then geared up for the announcement by encouraging flashing lights and drumroll sounds from the crew.
In unison, Hoda and Jenna shared the news.
“We are going back to Studio 6A with a live audience!” they enthusiastically yelled as colorful streamers were photoshopped into the frame.
The journalists explained that the change would be for “one week only” beginning next week, November 14.
However, Hoda promised an in-studio audience was only temporary “for now.”
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Jenna shared her excitement and added: “Don’t you feel like everybody wants connection? I feel like people are back at church, people are back together, people are going to concerts and shows.
“So guess what? Come hang with us because we have some great guests,” she teased.
ABCDad-of-two Willie is co-anchor of MSNBC’s Morning Joe and anchor of Sunday Today with Willie Geist[/caption]
Mom-of-three Jenna was hired by NBC as a correspondent and contributor for The Today Show in August 2009GettyGettyWillie frequently serves as a fill-in anchor on both the weekday edition and the Saturday edition of Today[/caption]
