Reports have arisen that Meredith Vieira has been scheduled to leave 'Today'. The Hollywood Reporter claims that she will be leaving this June and that her replacement has already been established.
Whilst Vieira's contract is supposed to continue until September, it could be cut three months short. Today newsreader Ann Curry is already set to be promoted to Vieira's role of co-host, whilst correspondent Natalie Morales will take Curry's place as newsreader. Vieira had taken the role in 2006 and since then has encouraged the continued success of the show, which pulled in half a billion dollars in advertising revenue last year. According to close sources, Vieira had been contemplating exiting the show for some time but has now finally come to her decision, even though two weeks ago Today's executive producer had told The Hollywood Reporter that he was hopeful she would stay. As her youngest daughter prepares for College and her husband Richard Cohen continues to fight multiple sclerosis, sources suggest that her reasons may be solely personal.
An official announcement is set to come as early as next week. Vieira still hosts Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, whilst also having recently produced her first movie 'Return', about a female soldier's return from war.