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Billy Bush's time has come on "Today."
The "Access Hollywood" host is joining the team on NBC's morning news program, the network announced to its staff in a memo obtained by the Daily News.
"Access Hollywood" host Billy Bush is joining the "Today" team full-time.
(Cindy Ord/Getty Images for AHA)
Bush, 44, will start his new gig during the NBC's coverage of the Olympics in August.
The announcement takes some attention away from Michael Strahan’s impending full-time move to "Good Morning America."
(Ida Mae Astute/ABC via Getty Images)
The move, which will bring the New York native back to his hometown full-time, is being seen as a way to *** attention away from Michael Strahan's move to ABC's "Good Morning America" in September.
“Live with Kelly Ripa” remains a morning-TV juggernaut even after Strahan's departure.
(ABC)
Bush will take over the 9 a.m. slot on "Today" — pitting him against Strahan's old show, "Live with Kelly Ripa."
The announcement takes some attention away from Michael Strahan’s impending full-time move to "Good Morning America."
“Live with Kelly Ripa” remains a morning-TV juggernaut even after Strahan's departure.
(ABC)
The split of morning-show pair Michael Strahan (l.) and Kelly Ripa (r.) is already sending ripples through the television industry.
Bush has been a regular contributor to "Today," but his promotion has led to speculation that he could be groomed to succeed current host Matt Lauer in a few years.
As the Daily News reported last week, "Today" anchor Natalie Morales is heading to the other coast to take over on "Access Hollywood."
The former nationally syndicated radio jock is a relative of former presidents George W. and George H.W. Bush. His cousin, Jenna Bush Hager, is already a correspondent on "Today."
Bush is used to replacing legendary TV personalities — he took over Pat O'Brien's role as "Access Hollywood" co-host in 2004.