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The Talk has really made its way through hosts in the last year, with Marie Osmond, Eve and then Sharon Osbourne all exiting the show for various reasons.
Just as things seemed to be settling down on the CBS daytime talk show, co-host Carrie Ann Inaba took some time off in April to focus on her health—in the past, she has spoken about suffering from a series of autoimmune conditions.
Now, reports have emerged that The Talk might be looking to replace her on the panel with a male co-host following the hiring of Jerry O'Connell to replace Osbourne.
What Carrie Ann Inaba Has Said About Returning
Despite the reports, Inaba seemed to hint that rather than being replaced, she intends to return to the show at some point.
In mid-July, the host took to Instagram to discuss her return to the show. She said, "As soon as I know what's going on with The Talk I will let you know, I promise... I look forward to sharing with you guys the news about The Talk."
This came after she had spoken about the show on another Instagram story in June, when she said that she did expect to return. She said: "We are probably going to sit down and have some discussions about what the future is and when I go back, maybe the end of this month ... I do miss everybody at The Talk and I look forward to be able to do what I love to do when the time is right."
When she announced her exit in April 2021, Inaba said: "I hope to be back soon."
Since then, however, she has made no public comments on whether she will be returning to the CBS series.
A recent announcement may also suggest that Inaba is ready to return to TV work after a four month absence. From September 20, Inaba will judge her 30th season of Dancing with the Stars.
Asked in July whether Inaba could be back for Dancing with the Stars 2021, host Tyra Banks told Entertainment Tonight, "I hope so! She was there way before I was, so I'm gonna be begging her, 'Please, baby, please! You gonna be there, right?'"
Page Six reported that The Talk bosses were looking for a man to replace Inaba. However, that piece suggested uncertainty among the crew, with one source saying: "Carrie Ann is not returning," while another said, "everyone wants her back. No decisions have been made."
