(L-R) Mayim Bialik and Ken Jennings.Photo:Tyler Golden/ABC via Getty Images; Eric McCandless/ABC via Getty Images
Tyler Golden/ABC via Getty Images; Eric McCandless/ABC via Getty Images
Mayim Bialik’s exit fromJeopardy!wasn’t just a surprise for fans of the beloved game show.
Addressing her unexpected departure for the first time, her former colleagueKen JenningstoldThe Hollywood Reporter: “It took me off guard, because I loved working with my Mayim and I’m going to miss her.”
“I can’t speak to her decision-making process or her opinions about it. But on my end, I’m just a fan ofJeopardy!and I’m always delighted to host when they call upon me,” he continued. “I just feel extremely lucky to have even been considered for this job as a non-broadcaster.”
Noting his belief that it’s “kind of a weird thing to try to bring backan ex-contestant to host,” Jennings said he’s “learning as I go.”
“I loved growing up withJeopardy!whereAlex [Trebek]was the host of that show for almost 38 years, and people just kind of felt like he was part of their family, and it’s impossible to fill those shoes,” he added. “But it’s such an honor and hopefully I look forward to 37 more years of doing it, when I’ll be a very, very old man.”
Ken Jennings.
Jennings, 49, and Bialik, 48, wereannounced as co-hosts ofJeopardy!in July 2022. The casting decision came aftera long searchfor late hostAlex Trebek’s replacement followinghis 2020 death. The likes ofSavannah GuthrieandLeVar Burtonstepped up to the plate but it was the show’s now-former executive producerMike Richardswho got the job. Hestepped downsoon after due to his controversial past actions resurfacing.
Bialik, specifically, was initially named as the host forJeopardy!primetime and its spinoff series,Jeopardy! National College Championship. However, theBig Bang Theoryalum revealed on Dec. 15 thatshe was let go from the gig.
“As the holiday break begins in Hollywood, I have someJeopardy!news,” she wrote onInstagram. “Sony has informed me that I will no longer be hosting the syndicated version ofJeopardy!”
Mayim Bialik is pictured at Build Studio on May 9, 2017, in New York City.Mike Pont/WireImage
Mike Pont/WireImage
“I am incredibly honored to have been nominated for a primetime Emmy for hosting this year and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of theJeopardy!family,” she added.
PEOPLE later learned that at the time of Sony’s decision, theBlossomactress' contract was not yet up. A spokesperson for the series also told PEOPLE: “We made the decision to have one host for the syndicated show next season to maintain continuity for our viewers, and Ken Jennings will be the sole host for syndicatedJeopardy!.”
“We are truly grateful for all of Mayim’s contributions to Jeopardy!,” the spokesperson added, “and we hope to continue to work with her on primetime specials.”
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Jeopardy!airs weekday evenings (check local listings).
source: people.com
