FIRST Take is returning to TV screens after Wimbledon, but it features an unfamiliar cast.
First Take took multiple days off for tennis coverage, but finally returned on Thursday.
Courtney Cronin has taken over for Molly Qerim on First Take[/caption]
Cronin has filled in for Qerim on multiple occasions in the past[/caption]
However, it returned without its usual cast.
Both Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim are not currently featuring in the cast of First Take..
Qerim recently announced that she is going on a multiple week vacation.
“Another NBA szn in the books,” Qerim wrote.
“Thank y’all for rocking with us 10 yrs & counting.
“Time to work on my tan-lines, shut my brain off & be with the fam.
“See ya in a few weeks. Grateful always, MQ.”
With Qerim out of action, Courtney Cronin has filled her spot on First Take.
While Qerim is extremely popular with fans, Cronin’s presence on the show is thrilling her fans.
Fans poured support in for Cronin after her appearance on First Take on Thursday.
“Back at it! @FirstTake coming up on ESPN 2. See ya there!” she posted on X.
“Sheesh look at shorty go CLIMBING the ranks,” one fan said.
“I’m tuned in!” another fan said.
“Hardest working woman in sports, appreciate you Courtney,” a third fan said.
Molly Qerim’s life in the spotlight
Molly Qerim has risen through the ranks to become one of the biggest stars at ESPN.
The popular sports host began her media career in 2006 with ESPN and spent four years with the network.
She then covered college basketball and football for CBS Sports Network in New York.
Qerim balanced that with hosting duties for NFL Network in Los Angeles – fronting NFLAM and NFL Fantasy Live.
The host returned to ESPN in 2015 and immediately took the role of First Take anchor.
And Qerim has been an ever-present, popular host of the daily sports debate show ever since.
“Is it just me or has Courtney been killin’ it as the fill-in??” a fourth fan said.
“They need to hire you full time tbh,” a fifth fan said.
Cronin typically provides Chicago Bears coverage for ESPN.
She features on ESPN Radio and formerly provided Minnesota Vikings coverage.
