Amy Robach was introduced as the new full-time co-host as Elliott, who left 'GMA' for NBC Sports, was off on a prearranged vacation day.
- Apr 1, 2014
AceShowbiz - "Good Morning America" bid farewell to Josh Elliott while the departing co-host was nowhere to be seen on the Monday, March 31 episode of the show. Elliott, who exited the ABC morning show to join NBC Sports, was off on a prearranged vacation day.
"He is going back to his roots, reporting on the NFL and the Olympics on NBC Sports," George Stephanopoulos said of Elliott after congratulating Amy Robach who has been promoted as a new full-time co-host. "He let us know last night, and, Josh, it has been a great run with you here on GMA. We're very happy you're going to be pursuing your passion."
Co-anchor Lara Spencer echoed the sentiment, "Doing what you do so well, we will miss you very much though. He's our buddy and we love him very, very much." Calling him her "TV brother," she added later, "He's in his zone. We love you. We wish you nothing but the best."
Robach also revealed how she and Elliott supported each other on the new start in their careers, sharing, "The second phone call I got last night was from Josh, congratulating me. I congratulated him. We've all become such dear friends, and we will remain so. I want to wish him the very best on his new path and his new career."
Of Robach, Stephanopoulos said, "It feels so natural because Amy has been such a big part of our family for so many days filling in during Robin [Roberts'] illness." Spencer jokingly commented on the new female addition to the panel, "The estrogen is flowing."
Elliott parted ways with ABC after weeks of contract negotiation. The former ESPN sportscaster reportedly turned down a "generous offer" of allegedly $4-$5 million per year as he was reported demanding a pay hike up to around $8 million per year.
He addressed his departure from "GMA" in a series of Twitter posts. "Congratulations to @arobach--a most deserving colleague and a dear, dear friend. @GMA will be the better for your presence, Amy. #proudpal," he wrote on Monday.
"Impossible to quantify how much I loved--and will miss--my @GMA team: @RobinRoberts, @GStephanopoulos, @LaraSpencer & @Ginger_Zee #grateful," he added, and then thanked ABC News president Ben Sherwood, "A monumental thanks to Disney/ABC TV Group president Ben Sherwood, without whom three of the best years of my life would never have been."
"Today" weatherman Al Roker congratulated Elliott, tweeting, "Welcome, Josh Elliot to NBC Sports after your conscious uncoupling from GMA/ABC."
