Natalie Morales is officially joining CBS’ daytime show “The Talk,” after announcing last week she was leaving NBC News after 22 years with the network. Morales will join the “The Talk” alongside hosts Akbar Gbajabiamila, Amanda Kloots, Jerry O’Connell and Sheryl Underwood. The addition of Morales follows several recent departures, including Sharon Osbourne and Elaine Welteroth.

The 49-year-old Morales, the West coast anchor of “Today” and “Dateline NBC” correspondent, said in a note to colleagues last week that she would be leaving the network in order to “pursue a new adventure.” She joined “Today” in 2006 and became the morning show’s news anchor five years later, replacing Ann Curry, who had been named to replace Meredith Vieira as a main anchor. Morales went on to anchor “Access Hollywood” and became West coast anchor for “Today.”

Morales said in a statement: “It’s an extraordinary opportunity to be joining this team at ‘The Talk.’ I love the new energy and direction and couldn’t be more excited to join Sheryl, Amanda, Jerry and Akbar. I’m looking forward to many good times while talking about the days’ topics, and I can’t wait to get going.”

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