Morning Mayhem! Kathie Lee Creates Chaos With Picks For Hoda’s Replacement

Kathie Lee Gifford isn’t wasting any time moving on! RadarOnline.com has learned the co-anchor of the 10 o’clock hour of Today is causing anxiety among staff, who worry she’ll choose the wrong successor for Hoda Kotb after she leaves her side to take over for disgraced journalist Matt Lauer.

“The biggest fear is that Kathie Lee will want to pick Hoda’s replacement,” an insider revealed to RadarOnline.com.

Two of the names getting thrown around behind the scenes are Gifford’s longtime former sidekick, Regis Philbin, and Craig Ferguson.

“She loves Craig and Regis, but both are not right,” said the insider.

Andy Cohen has inserted himself into discussions, but he seems like a long shot given Gifford’s feelings on the subject.

“Ambitious Andy is already buzzing around, but they have zero chemistry together and he is annoying,” said the source, noting, “A little Andy goes a long way.”

Also potentially ruining the chances for the host of Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live, added the insider, is that Gifford, 64, “hates the housewives.”

As RadarOnline.com reported, Kotb, 53, plans to remain by Gifford’s side while the show is in transition, but NBC is anxious to quickly find a replacement that can recreate the women’s winning onscreen synergy.

“Kathie Lee is a great talent but shouldn’t be allowed to pick her co-host,” warned the insider. “She will pick a pal or someone she likes rather than the right talent.”

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