Co-anchors of US talk show removed 'indefinitely' amid reported extramarital relationship
Co-anchors of a popular American daytime talk show were removed "indefinitely" amid their reported extramarital affair, which has since become tabloid fodder.
TJ Holmes and Amy Robach of GMA3, an offshoot of the Good Morning America franchise at ABC News, have reportedly been in a relationship for months now.
The Daily Mail on Nov. 30 first reported that Holmes and Robach had been having an affair despite being married. The publication filled its story with paparazzi photos of the co-anchors having drinks in a bar, sharing an Uber ride, holding hands, heading to an apartment together, and staying in a cottage.
Holmes is married to lawyer Marilee Fiebig, while Robach is married to actor Andrew Shue.
Sources, however, said the co-anchors have already separated from their respective spouses in August.
"They had not told anyone, even at ABC, because they were waiting until they both were divorced," a source told The New York Times. The source noted that Holmes and Robach had been close friends for many years, but started a relationship over the past few months after their respective breakups.
Following the Daily Mail report, ABC News didn't make a move, with president Kim Godwin not commenting about the issue during two separate internal meetings, The New York Times reported. Holmes and Robach also continued anchoring the show on Dec. 1 and 2.
But during an editorial call on Dec. 5, Godwin reportedly announced that their relationship had become an “internal and external distraction," based on accounts of three people.
Daily Mail, citing inside sources, said the co-anchors were removed "indefinitely."
Godwin didn't say how long would they remain off the air or whether they'd return to the program at all, according to The New York Times. She, however, noted that Holmes and Robach's relationship wasn't in violation of company policy.
Gio Benitez and Stephanie Ramos served as hosts for the Dec. 5 episode. In taking over anchoring duties, they said: "Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes have the day off."