“Extra” co-host Tracey Edmonds is exiting the show amid widespread layoffs at the syndicated newsmagazine, an individual close to the show told TheWrap.
The show also has been renewed for two more seasons, taking it through 2019, the individual said. Nonetheless, producers Telepictures and Lisa G Productions plan to eliminate 15 to 20 employees from the show’s 170-person staff across its offices in Los Angeles, New York City and Las Vegas.
“It’s normal for any business to take a look at production requirements, even on a successful show like ‘Extra,’” the insider said, adding that “Extra” is “constantly evaluating our show and our production needs and efficiency.”
Edmonds will be leaving the show soon and plans to return to producing. According to the insider, Edmonds’ decision to leave was made before the layoffs, and the date of her final episode has yet not been disclosed.
Mario Lopez and Charissa Thompson are staying on as co-anchors, and the show currently does not plan to hire a replacement for Edmonds. She and Thompson joined “Extra” in 2014 following Maria Menounos’ exit.
This period of transition follows the news that CBS Television Distribution’s “The Insider” is coming to an end later this year.
“Extra” earned a 1.2 demo rating for the week ending on May 7, marking a nine percent boost from the previous week.