Former NFL player Akbar Gbajabiamila joins 'The Talk,' making him the CBS show's second permanent male co-host since its October 2010 debut.
after an intense exchange about race related to the feud between Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and journalist Piers Morgan. The longtime panelist was replaced by actor Jerry O’Connell in July.
Gbajabiamila was a guest co-host a few times over the summer. He’ll officially join the Season 12 panel, which includes Sheryl Underwood, Amanda Kloots and O’Connell, on Sept. 13, the network said Thursday. That makes him the second male co-host to have a permanent seat at the table. “It is an absolute honor to be joining ‘The Talk’ as a host! 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 for ‘The Talk,’” Gbajabiamila said in a statement. “In a world as divided as ours, I look forward to showing up as my fun and authentic self every day and advocating for conversation over confrontation.
That’s about as close as he got to addressing the show’s tumultuous, headline-making arrivals and departures. Showrunners hailed Gbajabiamila’s hiring as “a new day in daytime” and praised his “engaging personality, openness and quick wit” as well as his candor, humor and relatability as a husband and father of four.
Gbajabiamila grew up in L.A.'s Crenshaw neighborhood with parents who were born and raised in Nigeria. He was a linebacker and defensive end for the NFL’s Oakland Raiders, San Diego Chargers and Miami Dolphins before retiring in 2008.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
‘The Talk’ Adds Akbar Gbajabiamila as Co-HostThe 'American Ninja Warrior' host and former NFL player will join the CBS daytime strip for its 12th season.
Read more »
The Talk Adds Second Male Cohost for Season 12His arrival comes after the departures of Sharon Osbourne, Carrie Ann Inaba and, most recently, Elaine Welteroth.
Read more »
Why You Should Talk to StrangersHow even short, chance encounters with other people can help our mental health
Read more »
Bathroom stall: Tennis toilet break talk swirls in Flush-ingHow long is too long to take in the bathroom?
Read more »
US envoy Kerry due to talk on climate with Chinese officialsChinese and U.S. officials plan to talk this week about reducing pollution by the world’s two largest economies.
Read more »
Elaine Welteroth Exits 'The Talk' After 1 Season'It is an absolute honor for anyone, but especially a young Black woman, to occupy this space on-air,' the former Teen Vogue editor-in-chief wrote.
Read more »