The Talk has found its new permanent co-host. Actor Jerry O’Connell is taking over the seat vacated by Sharon Osbourne after a turbulent Season 11 for the daytime talk show.
Sheryl Underwood made the announcement on Wednesday’s episode before a montage was shown of the Sliders actor training to become a host while “Eye of the Tiger” played in the background.
O’Connell then burst onto the talk show’s stage and handed out flowers to Underwood and the other two hosts, Elaine Welteroth and Amanda Kloots.
Related Story: ‘The Talk’ Renewed for Season 12 After Sharon Osbourne Controversy
The actor is the first full-time male host since The Talk premiered in 2010.
He guest hosted several times, including after Osbourne left the show following a heated and racially-charged debate with Underwood.
“You ladies have been so welcoming to me,” he told the hosts Wednesday. “I mean, I came here as a guest months ago, and just from the moment I walked in, you’re just gracious, you’re kind, you’re fun, and it worked.”
Producers of the show also made a statement welcoming the Stand By Me actor.
“We loved his infectious enthusiasm, humor, openness and insights as a guest co-host and look forward to him now bringing those dynamic qualities to the show every day,” executive producers Heather Gray and Kristin Matthews said.
O’Connell’s past hosting gigs have included filling in for Wendy Williams on The Wendy Williams Show. He also had a test run as a host for a talk show titled Jerry O’ but the show was not picked up to series.
Watch The Talk’s announcement below:
https://twitter.com/TheTalkCBS/status/1415377578265747457
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