JEOPARDY! KEN BACK IN SCHOOL — FOR CHARM
BRAINIAC Ken Jennings may be a genius when it comes to trivia, but sources say the Jeopardy! host is so challenged in the charm department he’s taking classes to become more personable — like his beloved predecessor Alex Trebek!
The stuffy whiz kid, 48, is desperate to boost sagging ratings of the iconic game show and is getting lessons on everything from his speaking manner to body language.
“Ken has been more popular than [fellow host] Mayim Bialik, who the fans seem to despise,” spills an insider. “But he still has a lot to learn in terms of star appeal.” Ken, the greatest champion in Jeopardy! history, and The Big Bang Theory alum Mayim,
46, became permanent hosts following tragic Trebek’s death from pancreatic cancer in 2020. Both have had problems connecting with viewers. Mayim has been blasted for her “humorless” personality while Ken is weathering backlash for his stiff demeanor and favoring contestants.
“Ken’s trying to change all that,” notes our spy. “He’s watching old Jeopardy! reruns to help learn all of Alex’s nuances and working with a speech therapist to speak more clearly and pleasantly.
“He’s not just trying to save the show but also to push Mayim out for good!”