'Today' female hosts take center stage amid Craig Melvin’s absence from NBC show
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: ‘Today’ show has recently made a rare occurrence after all female hosts took the main desk following beloved Craig Melvin’s absence from the NBC show.
On Friday, September 29, Melvin was missing from the morning show and was replaced by the main female host, leading to an all-female desk takeover.
This came after Melvin was reportedly missing on Monday’s broadcast as he was out on an assignment alongside co-host Dylan Dreyer.
He video-called in to talk to Sheinelle Jones and Al Roker and revealed that he was attending a Bottoms Up event in Connecticut. Roker emphasized that the hosts are “at a great event for a cause that is so close to Craig’s heart.”
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‘Today’ show female hosts takeover
During a recent ‘Today’ episode, Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb took their usual spots at the desk.
However, Craig Melvin’s spot was filled in by Sheinelle Jones who joined her ladies' co-host about 30 minutes into the segment.
Guthrie took to honor to reveal to the ‘Today’ viewers that Jones will be covering for Melvin because he is “a bit under the weather this morning.”
This marked a rare occasion when all the hosts at the main desk were female.
In Melvin’s absence, Jones typically assumes the role if she is available. This week, she stepped in for him on Tuesday as well.
On Thursday, Melvin joined Guthrie at the desk when Kotb was not present. It is unknown when Melvin will return to the show.
The FDA recently updated the warning label for Ozempic to acknowledge reports of ileus, which is a failure for the intestine to move normally. @stephgosk reports. pic.twitter.com/2iK287owUR
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) September 29, 2023
Why did Craig Melvin get upset?
Before his absence, Melvin became visibly upset with the show's producer, who had jokingly teased him. The producer went backstage and engaged in banter with Melvin, mentioning Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.
"Craig, we know you're a big Chiefs fan," the producer stated, adding, "And we are so excited that Taylor is now part of the fandom right now."
She was referring to Taylor Swift's recent connection with Travis.
The producer continued with humor, saying, "It's really sweet that she put Travis Kelce on the map, though," which prompted visible signs of annoyance from Melvin, including eye-rolling and head-tossing.
"Oh my God," Melvin responded.
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The producer playfully teased further, saying, "You know, like, nobody knew who he was, and now everybody knows."
Melvin, looking slightly irritated, replied, "That's the worst part of the story."
The two engaged in lighthearted banter about the global pop star's interactions with the football player, with Melvin expressing his frustration that some people attribute Travis Kelce's fame to Taylor.
The producer asked, "So you knew who he was?"
Melvin affirmed, "Yes, I did know who Travis Kelce was before the Swifties gobbled him up. Yeah, I'm still a Kelce fan."
The conversation took a lighter turn with the final question, "Do you have any advice for Taylor joining the Chiefs fandom?"
Melvin grinned and offered a playful response, suggesting that Taylor should "Get ready to go to Super Bowl!"
