TODAY Co-Host Natalie Morales to Exit Morning Show Amid Tense Atmosphere?

The New York Post's Page Six reports that long-time TODAY co-host Natalie Morales will exit NBC's morning show amid a tense atmosphere.

Sources tell the paper that reps for Morales, who co-hosts the third hour of TODAY, are in the process of searching for another position for her as tenstions rise between their client and fellow host Tamron Hall and NBC News President Deborah Turness.

Morales joined the morning news show in 2006 in the role of a national correspondent. When Ann Curry exited the show, Morales was passed over for consideration as a replacement. Instead Savannah Guthrie was given the highly coveted seat next to co-anchor Matt Lauer.

An NBC source told Page Six, "There's a lot of tension. Natalie and Tamron are competitive, and there was a big blowup in October between the two. Deborah has an issue with Natalie and has sided with Tamron. There has been zero communication between Deborah and Natalie for a long period of time. It's THE TALK of NBC staff."

The source further revealed that after meeting with "Today" executive producer Don Nash last week about the problem, Natalie, "didn't get the reassurance she had hoped for about her future at 'Today."

Another insider at the network told Page Six, "Natalie's agent at WME has been reaching out discreetly looking for other opportunities for her. She could be interested in a talk show," while another source gave differing information, sharing "Natalie has two more years on her 'Today' contract. Her agent has not made one outgoing call. Other networks have been calling them."

In a recent statement, Nash commented, "This is total nonsense. As the 'Today' show continues to gain momentum, it sounds like someone is trying to stir up trouble that doesn't exist. Natalie Morales is valued by everyone at the news division from the top down, and her future is with the 'Today' show and NBC News."

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