Ken Jennings Says He Was Caught 'Off Guard' By Mayim Bialik's Ousting from “Jeopardy!”

The 'Big Bang Theory' alum confirmed on Dec. 15 that she "will no longer be hosting the syndicated version of Jeopardy!" but was still "deeply grateful for the opportunity"

Mayim Bialik's exit from Jeopardy! wasn't just a surprise for fans of the beloved game show.

Addressing her unexpected departure for the first time, her former colleague Ken Jennings told The Hollywood Reporter: "It took me off guard, because I loved working with my Mayim and I’m going to miss her."

"I can't speak to her decision-making process or her opinions about it. But on my end, I'm just a fan of Jeopardy! and I'm always delighted to host when they call upon me," he continued. "I just feel extremely lucky to have even been considered for this job as a non-broadcaster."

Related: Mayim Bialik Announces She Will No Longer Host Jeopardy!

Noting his belief that it's "kind of a weird thing to try to bring back an ex-contestant to host," Jennings said he's "learning as I go."

"I loved growing up with Jeopardy! where Alex [Trebek] was the host of that show for almost 38 years, and people just kind of felt like he was part of their family, and it’s impossible to fill those shoes," he added. "But it's such an honor and hopefully I look forward to 37 more years of doing it, when I'll be a very, very old man."

Jennings, 49, and Bialik, 48, were announced as co-hosts of Jeopardy! in July 2022. The casting decision came after a long search for late host Alex Trebek's replacement following his 2020 death. The likes of Savannah Guthrie and LeVar Burton stepped up to the plate but it was the show's now-former executive producer Mike Richards who got the job. He stepped down soon after due to his controversial past actions resurfacing.

Bialik, specifically, was initially named as the host for Jeopardy! primetime and its spinoff series, Jeopardy! National College Championship. However, the Big Bang Theory alum revealed on Dec. 15 that she was let go from the gig.

"As the holiday break begins in Hollywood, I have some Jeopardy! news," she wrote on Instagram. "Sony has informed me that I will no longer be hosting the syndicated version of Jeopardy! "

"I am incredibly honored to have been nominated for a primetime Emmy for hosting this year and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of the Jeopardy! family," she added.

Bialik concluded her post by thanking the Jeopardy! "fans, contestants, writers, staff and crew" for supporting her through "this incredible journey" on "America's Favorite Quiz Show."

Related: Mayim Bialik Talks 'Jeopardy!' Fans Who Tell Her 'Deeply Insulting Things but with a Big Smile'

PEOPLE later learned that at the time of Sony's decision, the Blossom actress' contract was not yet up. A spokesperson for the series also told PEOPLE: "We made the decision to have one host for the syndicated show next season to maintain continuity for our viewers, and Ken Jennings will be the sole host for syndicated Jeopardy!."

"We are truly grateful for all of Mayim’s contributions to Jeopardy!," the spokesperson added, "and we hope to continue to work with her on primetime specials."

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