Natalie Morales has finally confirmed she's leaving Access Hollywood and Access Live after three years co-hosting the shows, a month after DailyMail.com exclusively revealed she was let go from the program.
The 46-year-old journalist revealed her plans to Access staffers on Friday as Extra host Mario Lopez prepares to replace her as the new face of the daily entertainment news programs.
Morales will still be working as West Coast anchor for NBC News' Today and will also serve as a correspondent for Dateline.
Morales' memo read: 'To my dear Access family, And I do mean family! I have had a wonderful 3 years here with you and will treasure the memories and good times!
She's out: Natalie Morales has confirmed, after months of speculation, that she's leaving Access Hollywood and Access Live
'Thank you for welcoming me with open arms and for always bringing your A-game. I have so much to be grateful for and can’t name all of you… but I do have to especially thank Kit, Scott, Sibley and Liliana for making it always a fun day “at work.”
'And thanks to our incredible producers, crew, assistants, wardrobe, hair and makeup teams.. I mean truly, I have a long list and hope to thank you each personally. Keep being the little engine that could!
'As an “Air Force” brat who has had to say goodbye one too many times in my life.. I prefer to say see you all later … and by later I mean on the next red carpet or on the lot! I’m just a few studio gates away after all. Please stay in touch!'
Kit Hoover will continue as the anchor of Access Hollywood, and co-host with Scott Evans on daytime news and talk show Access Live.
To my dear Access family:
And I do mean family! I have had a wonderful 3 years here with you and will treasure the memories and good times! Thank you for welcoming me with open arms and for always bringing your A-game. I have so much to be grateful for and can’t name all of you… but I do have to especially thank Kit, Scott, Sibley and Liliana for making it always a fun day “at work.” And thanks to our incredible producers, crew, assistants, wardrobe, hair and makeup teams.. I mean truly, I have a long list and hope to thank you each personally. Keep being the little engine that could!
As an “Air Force” brat who has had to say goodbye one too many times in my life.. I prefer to say see you all later … and by later I mean on the next red carpet or on the lot! I’m just a few studio gates away after all. Please stay in touch!
All my best.
Natalie
Morales' replacement has yet to be confirmed but DailyMail.com was the first to report that she had been fired by NBC executives in order to make way for 'cheese ball' Mario Lopez
Morales' replacement has yet to be officially announced but DailyMail.com was the first to report that she had been fired by NBC executives in order to make way for Mario Lopez.
DailyMail.com contacted Lopez's rep for comment on Friday, but did not receive an immediate response.
Morales was let go along with the show's longtime executive producer Rob Silverstein, who will be replaced by Maureen Fitzpatrick at both Access and Access Hollywood Live.
Fitzpatrick was brought on by NBC as a consultant to fix the struggling show, but staffers say they feel the program has become boring and stale on her watch.
In a further blow to the team, 'beloved' Morales was edged out by 'giant cheese ball' Lopez and staffers hadn't been officially informed by higher-ups about the major switch-up, a source told DailyMail.com.
