Josh Elliott Defects From ‘GMA’ To NBC: Pressure Mounts On Embattled ‘TODAY’ Host Matt Lauer, With Speculation New Recruit Is Headed For His Anchor Chair!
March 31 2014, Published 8:34 a.m. ET
Josh Elliott is ankling ABC’s Good Morning America after his pricey contract negotiations fell through, but his jump to NBC Sports might be short lived because the network’s ratings challenged may have him as the new face on the TODAY show once Matt Lauer’s contract is up.
The 42-year-old was unable to talk ABC into an $8 million contract and he will be replaced by viewer favorite Amy Robach, but his move to the struggling peacock network is angling to have him take over for Lauer according to Roger Friedman at Showbiz411.com.
The report states that “NBC needs someone else besides Willie Geist ready to take over for Matt Lauer when his contract runs out. With the ratings in such bad shape, it’s unlikely that Lauer will continue with “Today” past 2014. Right now, all they have is Geist, and he’s not ready.”
As RadarOnline.com has previously reported, Lauer’s dismal treatment of Ann Curry as she was fired from the TODAY Show turned off viewers and the show has consistently lost to GMA in the ratings battle for the last year.
- Matt Lauer's Glamorous Daughter Crashed Into Fence and Fled Hamptons Scene — but Left License Plate Behind for Cops to Find
- Disgraced ‘Today’ Host Matt Lauer ‘Was Wracked With Pain and Bitterness’ Watching Ex-NBC Colleagues Fronting Paris Olympics’: ‘Gut Wrenching!’
- Ousted News Hosts Matt Lauer and Don Lemon Join Forces to Plot TV Revenge: Report
DAILY. BREAKING. CELEBRITY NEWS. ALL FREE.
Elliott could be a replacement for Lauer with his good Q rating and Showbiz411 claims that he might transition into Lauer’s chair when Savannah Guthrie returns from maternity leave.
Stay with RadarOnline.com for developments in the morning show wars.