Nancy O'Dell to Replace Mary Hart on Entertainment Tonight

Nancy O'Dell has been tapped to replace Mary Hart on Entertainment Tonight, executive producer Linda Bell Blue announced Monday.
"I remember watching Entertainment Tonight when it first premiered and dreaming about working for the show someday," O'Dell said in a statement. "I am honored to be the one chosen to fill a TV legend's seat and I hope I can do her proud!"

In August, Hart announced she'd be leaving the show after Entertainment Tonight's 30^th season. Hart, a 1999 Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame inductee, joined ET in 1982.

Mary Hart Exiting Entertainment Tonight

"Leaving this job was not an easy decision, but knowing I will pass the baton to Nancy O'Dell makes that decision much easier," Hart said. "Nancy is a talented and respected entertainment correspondent. We have spent many years working on opposite sides of the celebrity battlefield and I know the show will flourish with Nancy as co-anchor."

O'Dell, 44, previously co-hosted Access Hollywood. She will make her debut as a special correspondent in January before joining full-time when Hart exits.