Will Julie Chen also leave ‘Big Brother’?
It appears that Julie Chen will likely keep at least one of her jobs with CBS.
TMZ is reporting that Chen will continue to host “Big Brother” because the network “won’t ask her to go and she wants to stay.”
TMZ said CBS doesn’t want to punish Chen for husband Les Moonves’ alleged misdeeds. So she will finish the current season and the plan is for her to return if the show is renewed. The ratings for “Big Brother” remain strong, so a renewal is highly likely.
Earlier, People.com reported that staff and crew on “Big Brother” were “nervous” that Chen would choose to leave the summer reality series in the wake of the Moonves scandal. A source with the show told People that Chen is usually highly involved with the show, but in recent days, “she comes in, does what she has to do and leaves.”
“She doesn’t make small talk; she doesn’t talk to the crew,” the source said. “... It’s clear you can’t approach her. If she’s not on camera, she’s either on her phone or she retreats to her room. It’s like a different host. It’s not that other people can’t host a show like this, but I don’t know how you get someone who cares as much as she does. It feels like she’s totally checked out of ‘Big Brother,’ which makes everyone nervous.”
As to whether Chen, 48, wants to return, TMZ reported that sources close to her say that she does want to remain on the show, which she has hosted for 18 years.
Chen announced Tuesday she was leaving “The Talk.” TMZ sources have said that it was her decision to leave and that the network put no pressure on her to do so.
It makes sense Julie opted for “Big Brother” over “The Talk.” The shooting schedule for the reality series is much less demanding than “The Talk,” giving her more time to spend with her husband and son, something she says is a priority.
Perhaps more importantly, “The Talk” is a topical show, and sexual harassment and #MeToo issues are major talking points these days.
Last week, Chen returned to host “Big Brother” and sent a subtle message of spousal solidarity as she signed off from the show, peering into the camera and saying, “I’m Julie Chen Moonves. Goodnight.”
TMZ reported that she taped an opening for the show Tuesday night in similar fashion, and received “a thunderous show of support from the audience.”