TODAY host Sheinelle Jones is a frontrunner to be Jenna Bush Hager’s permanent fourth hour co-host after she returns to the show this Friday.
As The U.S. Sun first revealed back in February, Sheinelle, 47, is a favorite among show staff and execs to fill the slot which was vacated by Hoda Kotb when she stepped away from the morning show in January.
Sources tell The U.S. Sun Sheinelle Jones is a frontrunner to replace Hoda Kotb in the fourth hour of Today Show[/caption]
Sheinelle has been on family leave and is set to return to Today on Friday[/caption]
Sheinelle, who has been away from Today since December of last year to be with her family amid her late husband Uche Ojeh‘s brave battle with brain cancer, returns to her regular hosting duties Friday, September 5.
Tragically, he died in May at just 45, leaving behind their three children: her son Kayin, 16, and 13-year-old twins Clara and Uche.
Sources have previously shared that the Today team “has been extremely supportive” of the much-loved journalist throughout her time away as she coped with this personal tragedy.
Sources now say that as she is officially returning, she is top of the mind as Hoda’s permanent replacement alongside Jenna for what is currently called Today With Jenna and Friends.
One insider said Sheinelle checks off the right boxes for the show, which is currently being hosted by a less-experienced Jenna.
“They want an adult in the room, someone who has TV in their bones, and Sheinelle has been on TV since she was 19,” the insider said.
The show has seen success with rotating hosts since Hoda left in January.
Execs are also said to be eyeing NBC’s own Willie Geist, and popular podcaster and actor Matt Rogers.
HODA’S HINT?
Back in June, Hoda tipped her hat to Sheinelle as a possible replacement when she appeared on Watch What Happens Live.
WWHL host Andy Cohen pressed Hoda on her thoughts about her potential replacements and asked who she believes should take over.
Reflecting on the question, Hoda responded: “I mean, anybody would be so lucky. But to me, the contenders are Savannah [Guthrie]; I think she would be great; I think Justin Sylvester is amazing.”
She continued, “Scarlett Johansson crushed it,” echoing the sentiments of countless fans who praised the Avengers star’s guest appearance.
Hoda also added: “Matt Rogers is great, and also our dear friend Sheinelle Jones.
“I feel like it’s whoever clicks great with Jenna. I think that’s the one.”
Sheinelle was still on leave when Hoda made the comments.
In February, a source told The U.S. Sun that NBC was looking to promote Sheinelle to the fourth hour spot after seeing the success of promoting anchor Craig Melvin to Hoda’s news-focused co-anchor spot alongside lead anchor, Savannah Guthrie.
“Ratings with Craig are good. This taught executives that the audience wants people they know and that they should promote from within,” the source explained.
The fourth hour of Today, currently titled Jenna & Friends, features a rotating roster of celebrity guest co-hosts each week or every few days.
Jenna has shared the spotlight with stars like Scarlett Johansson, Amy Poehler, and Ciara since Hoda’s departure in January.
Sheinelle was away from the show since December to be with her family through her husband Uche Ojeh’s fatal battle with cancer[/caption]
Sheinelle is set to return on Friday in what is sure to be an emotional Today Show, which will include a pre-taped sit-down interview with Savannah Guthrie[/caption]
The fourth hour spot alongside Jenna Bush Hager which was vacated by Hoda Kotb has remained open and unfilled since January[/caption]
