Hold onto your hats, folks! Natalie Morales, the beloved host of Access Hollywood, has reportedly been let go by NBC in a move that's left everyone scratching their heads. It seems like the network is making room for Mario Lopez, a decision that's sparked quite the conversation in the entertainment world.
A Sudden Departure
At 46, Natalie Morales made a significant life change when she relocated her entire family to the West Coast in the summer of 2016 to take on the hosting duties at Access Hollywood. Unfortunately, it appears that her time with the show has come to an abrupt end. Not only is Natalie leaving, but it seems that executive producer Rob Silverstein has also been shown the door. According to a source speaking with the Daily Mail, NBC is trying to keep Natalie’s departure under wraps, planning to announce it just before the summer. However, the news has already spread like wildfire. "Natalie is going to be replaced by Mario Lopez, who NBC has poached from Extra before Extra moves to FOX in the Fall," the source revealed.
Despite losing her role on Access Hollywood, Natalie will continue as the West Coast anchor for TODAY. However, not everyone is thrilled about Mario Lopez stepping into her shoes. “Everyone is furious because he’s seen as a big cheese ball who avoids hard work. He’s not the face we want representing the show,” an insider confided. “It’s like being told that your parents have passed away, and now you’re being raised by the grandma you don’t really like.”
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A Career Move Turned Sour
Natalie Morales joined Access Hollywood in August 2016, following the controversial departure of Billy Bush. "Natalie moved her entire family out to the West Coast for this job, and now they’ve completely betrayed her," the source lamented. It’s a tough pill to swallow for someone who made such a significant personal and professional commitment to the show.
“Mario has reportedly inked a secret deal to become the new face of the show, which has unfortunately pushed Natalie aside,” the insider continued. “The worst part is that they haven’t even informed the staff about it. We’re kept in the dark, but everyone knows what’s going on.”
A Long-Term Plan?
According to the source, this wasn't a sudden decision. "Staff started getting wind of what was happening last summer when rumors were circulating that Mario was positioning himself to be the face of entertainment news for all of NBC," the insider revealed. "The rumors hit a fever pitch during the holidays when Mario was flown to New York to be part of the Rockefeller tree lighting, even though he wasn’t officially NBC talent. Meanwhile, Natalie, an established NBC star, was nowhere to be seen.”
