CBS Confirms Carrie Ann Inaba Will Replace Julie Chen As The Newest Co-Host Of ‘The Talk’

It’s been the talk of the town for a while now, but after much anticipation, Carrie Ann Inaba has made her official debut on The Talk! The daytime talk show revealed on the Wednesday, Jan. 2 episode that the 50-year-old is officially replacing Julie Chen as the newest co-host of the daily series.

“I’m excited to confirm it. We’re welcoming Carrie Ann Inaba to The Talk table,” said Angelica McDaniel, Executive Vice President of Daytime Programs at CBS Entertainment. “Carrie Ann connects with audiences by being genuine. We appreciate her warmth, heart, and vulnerability, and love what she brings to the show.”

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Carrie Ann has appeared as a recurring guest co-host on The Talk for the past two seasons. After making many appearances, we can’t imagine how excited the Dancing With The Stars judge is to be officially joining her co-hosts, Eve, Sara Gilbert, Sharon Osbourne, and Sheryl Underwood.

“Having the opportunity to sit at the table with Eve, Sara, Sharon, and Sheryl has been such an enriching experience, and I’m honored and looking forward to joining them daily,” Carrie Ann said, according to a press release. “It’s the authentic conversations and connection with the audience and the ladies that really drew me to The Talk. I feel very fortunate to be a part of this show.”

Rumors began swirling around that Carrie Ann was to be Julie’s replacement after the former host announced she was leaving The Talk on Thursday, Sept. 18. “I have been at The Talk since the day it started nine years ago, and the cast, crew, and staff have become family to me over the years,” Julie said in her tearful goodbye.

Farewell ❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/1eOCpelor1

— Julie Chen Moonves (@JCMoonves) September 18, 2018

“But right now, I need to spend more time at home with my husband and our young son. So I’ve decided to leave The Talk.” The 48-year-old’s departure comes after sexual misconduct allegations arose against her husband, former CBS Chairman and CEO Les Moonves.

Even though Julie was wiping her tears as she stepped off the stage for the last time, we bet the news of her replacement is bringing a smile to her face. During her farewell speech, Julie hinted to viewers who she would prefer to take her spot, and that person was Carrie Ann. “Carrie Ann, I don’t know,” Julie said in the clip. “In my opinion, you look awful good sitting in that chair, my Asian sister.” So sweet!