Craig Melvin to Replace Hoda Kotb on TODAY, Lady Gaga to Make Appearance in Wednesday Season 2, Actor Timothy West Dies at 90

Craig Melvin named to replace Hoda Kotb on the TODAY show. The announcement comes nearly two months after Kotb revealed her departure from the show, on which she has served as co-anchor for nearly two decades. Melvin, who has worked with NBC News for nearly 14 years, will step into the role starting Monday, January 13 following Kotb's January 10 exit. He currently serves as co-host of the show's 3rd hour, as well as a news anchor during the earlier hours of the morning. Lady Gaga joins the cast of Wednesday season 2. Sources confirmed that Gaga will make a cameo appearance in the show's second season, however the nature of her role has yet to be revealed. The announcement comes two years after the show's initial release which sparked an online social media frenzy when fans on TikTok began dubbing Ortega's iconic dance with Gaga's 2011 hit 'Bloody Mary.' The hit Netflix series is currently in production in Ireland. A release date for season 2 has yet to be revealed. British actor Timothy West dies at 90. Beloved for his many roles on both the screen and the stage, Timothy West spent more than 6 decades in entertainment. Some of his most notable television appearances included 1985's EastEnders and 1960's Coronation Street, with film credits such as 1973's The Day of the Jackal, 1999's The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc, and 2003's Beyond Borders. His passing was confirmed by his children in a statement on X, writing 'Tim was with friends and family at the end. He leaves his wife Prunella Scales, to whom he was married for 61 years, a daughter, two sons, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. All of us will miss him terribly.' He reportedly passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, November 12. National Pickle Day is celebrated in the U.S . Happy National Pickle Day! Whether you prefer dill, bread and butter, spears or chips, pickles are a delicious snack and the perfect pairing with many of your favorite foods. Pickles also have many health benefits, as they are rich in antioxidants, calcium, potassium, and fiber. They are a great snack to promote gut health, regulate blood sugar, and lower blood pressure. Celebrate the holiday by ordering extra pickles the next time you're at a restaurant, or pick up a jar on your next visit to the store. In today's birthday news. British monarch King Charles III turns 76, actor D.B. Sweeney 63, actress Laura San Giacomo 62, rapper Reverend Run of Run-DMC 60, actor Patrick Warburton 60, actor Josh Duhamel 52, TV personality Chip Gaines 50, drummer Travis Barker 49, actress Vanessa Bayer 43.