It looks like there will be another major shake-up at The Talk table as Carrie Ann Inaba is reportedly out. And producers are looking to bring on another male co-host to take her spot.
Page Six is reporting that the Dancing with the Stars judge will not return to the show following a leave of absence to focus on her health that began in April.
“We all know health is the most precious gift we have. And I need to take care of mine,” she said in an Instagram post at the time. “I appreciate the love and support from all of you and from my family at The Talk. I hope to be back soon! Ready for action!”
The timing of Carrie Ann Inaba’s sabbatical came just after a heated argument broke out between hosts Sharon Osbourne and Sheryl Underwood. Osbourne defended comments Piers Morgan made about Meghan Markle, comments that Underwood said were racist. Osbourne, the last remaining original host of The Talk, left the show over the incident. She and Inaba have remained on good terms — at least online.
“After the (Osbourne) 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. She returned to a new environment, and she also didn’t like that the show is starting to tackle more serious issues,” a source told Page Six.
Since Inaba took time away from the show, people have speculated if she intends to return. Talk of her permanent departure only increased after she announced she would return to Dancing with the Stars recently. But did not divulge her plans for her future on The Talk.
‘The Talk’ May Add Another Male Host
Actor Jerry O’Connell, the first male host for The Talk, took Osbourne’s seat. So far, the experiment seems to be working well.
“First of all, I want to say, you ladies have been so welcoming to me,” he said to his fellow cohosts. “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. And here we are.”
So, now the show is considering adding another male voice to the dais to replace Inaba.
“They haven’t announced it, but Carrie Ann is not returning, and they’ve been trying out comics and athletes to take her place,” the source told Page Six.
No names have been floated as possible replacements, however. Neither The Talk nor Inaba have spoken publicly about her plans for the show.
In fact, there are many on the show who want Inaba to return.
“It’s 50/50,” another source told Page Six. “Everyone wants her back. No decisions have been made.”
