CAST SHAKEUP: Truth behind rumors Today host Sheinelle Jones secretly joined RHONY amid new season overhaul
RUMORS that Today host Sheinelle Jones had secretly joined the Real Housewives of New York cast started popping up earlier this week as part of the reality show’s cast shakeup.
The U.S. Sun can reveal the truth behind the rumors that the Today anchor and veteran journalist is set to take on the reality TV realm.
Sheinelle, who lost her husband, Uche Ojeh, to cancer earlier this year, returned to her seat on Today on September 2, after taking family leave from the show to tend to him and their three children.
Earlier this week, her name appeared alongside a report that also claimed Martha Stewart‘s makeup artist Nicole Daisy Toye, celebrity stylist June Ambrose, Colony Palm Beach owner Sarah Wetenhall, and real estate developer Erika Faye Jones were in final negotiations to join the RHONY cast.
The report also claimed Erin Lichy, Sai de Silva and Jessel Taank were the only cast members from last season who are definitely returning to the Bravo series.
However, a source close to Sheinelle, 47, addressed the report, clearing the air with The U.S. Sun.
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“This is totally not true,” the insider said.
NEW ROLE?
While Sheinelle likely isn’t going to be getting the next RHONY apple, she may have an expanded role at Today.
As The U.S. Sun previously revealed, Sheinelle is being considered for a role that would see her co-host the fourth hour of Today alongside Jenna Bush Hager.
The much-loved anchor is a favorite among staff and executives to take over the late-morning spot, which has been vacant since Hoda Kotb stepped away from the show in January.
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With her official return, sources now confirm that Sheinelle is a strong contender to become Hoda’s permanent replacement on what is currently titled Today With Jenna and Friends.
An insider described Sheinelle as the perfect choice for the role, noting that she brings valuable experience to a show currently co-hosted by the less-seasoned Jenna.
Meanwhile, executives are also said to be considering NBC’s Willie Geist and popular podcaster and actor Matt Rogers for the position.
HEARTBREAKING TRAGEDY
Sheinelle returned to Today after first leaving the morning show back in December to care for her husband and children amid his battle with brain cancer.
On 23 May, Sheinelle’s Today colleagues shared the heartbreaking news that Uche, her husband of 17 years, had passed away following a courageous and private battle with brain cancer.
“With profound sadness, we share this morning that Uche Ojeh, the husband of our friend and Today co-host Sheinelle Jones, has passed away after a courageous battle with an aggressive form of brain cancer called glioblastoma,” Savannah Guthrie announced to viewers.
“There are no words for the pain we feel for Sheinelle and their three young children.
“Uche was an incredible person. We all loved him.”
