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Report: Turmoil at ‘Extra’ — Why Series Insiders Are Grumbling

Jun 27, 2014  •  Post A Comment

The syndicated entertainment newsmag “Extra” is experiencing some turmoil behind the scenes, with insiders at the show upset over a recent staff change, TheWrap.com reports.

The problem is reportedly the hiring of Tracey Edmonds as co-host, with "Extra" insiders "saying the socialite and Hollywood producer is inexperienced and will need extensive training," the story reports. The show announced Edmonds' hiring this week, following the departure last month of Maria Menounos.

Beginning Sept. 8, Edmonds will host along with Mario Lopez and another new hire, “Fox Sports Live's” Charissa Thompson, the report notes.

The piece quotes an "Extra" insider, who did not wish to be identified, saying: “I fainted when I learned [of Edmonds’ hiring]. Look what happened to those inexperienced Daytime Emmy hosts on the red carpet.” The reference was to a widely criticized appearance at the Daytime Emmys by social media stars Brittany Furlan, Lauren Elizabeth, Jessica Harlow and Meghan Rosette, which we reported on earlier this week.

"Hiring a celebrity at 'Extra' is nothing new. In 2004, the show tapped Sugar Ray frontman Mark McGrath to co-host with seasoned broadcaster Dayna Devon. McGrath lasted a little less than four years, with current and long-running host Mario Lopez replacing him in 2008," TheWrap notes.

Another source close to "Extra" reportedly said the issues some staffers may have with the hiring of Edmonds are "false," and suggested the grumbling may come from someone with an ax to grind, TheWrap reports.

The story adds: "While Edmonds does appear in front of the camera on the OWN series 'Deion's Family Playbook' — which she executive produces — and appeared as a correspondent on a handful of 'Extra' episodes last month, Edmonds, the CEO of production company Edmonds Entertainment, is primarily known as a producer, not a broadcaster."

“Extra” senior executive producer Lisa Gregorisch-Dempsey reportedly called Edmonds “one of the most accomplished television forces in Hollywood” and said that she's “already a star with A-list relationships.”

tracey edmonds.pngTracey Edmonds

One Comment

  1. I AM ONLY WATCHING EXTRA NOW, BECAUSE TRACY EDMONDS BRINGS ALOT OF CLASS AND BEAUTY TO THE PROGRAM. IT IS SOMETHING ABOUT HER THAT ALSO BRINGS A PLEASURE WATCHING THE SHOW. I BELEIVE IT IS BECAUSE OF HER NATURAL BEAUTY. AND I AM SURE YOUR RATINGS HAVE GONE UP, BECAUSE IT IS SUCH A JOY WATCHING YOUR EXTRA PROGRAM NOW.

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