The TV drama began on November 30, when the Daily Mail published a photo-rich article detailing the relationship between the two hosts, who were married to other people at the time.
The network initially chose to do nothing. Then, on Dec. 5, ABC News President Kimberly Godwin announced internally that she would be removing the pair while she considered how best to handle «internal and external distraction,» despite having said the relationship did not violate company policy. A week later, Godwin told ABC News employees that the two hosts would stay off the air until a review was completed.
Network officials did not explain on Friday why they decided to part ways with Robach and Holmes, but the decision came amid tabloid allegations about Holmes’ other work romances, as well as claims that colleagues had complained about the couple’s relationship.
Holmes and Robach have been co-hosts of «GMA3: What You Need to Know» since fall 2020. A CNN veteran, Holmes joined ABC News in 2014. Robach joined the network as a correspondent in 2012 after working as a reporter and weekend anchor for NBC News.
The network had not provided any information about the internal review.
Holmes and Robach, who have been photographed together regularly since their disappearance from the air, have both separated from their spouses, according to a source close to them.
In their absence, ABC relied on rotating co-hosts to take their place. This arrangement will continue for the time being, a spokesperson for the network confirmed.
Prior to their retirement, Holmes and Robach enjoyed on-air chemistry that helped propel the ratings for “GMA3.” In November, their last full month as co-hosts, the show averaged 1.57 million total viewers, beating similar programming on NBC and CBS.
This article has been updated with more information.