29 April 2023 , 15:03
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The temporary replacement for Tucker Carlson's Fox News weekday slot has been announced as rising star Lawrence Jones.
The 30-year-old presenter is set to take over from the controversial host on Monday as the Tucker Carlson Show is rebranded as Fox News Tonight.
Lawrence's appointment comes after Brian Kilmeade's weeklong stint in the hot seat.
The role sees Lawrence vacate his weekend primetime show "Lawrence Jones Cross Country", which he first took up in January 2022.
At the time, he became the youngest black solo host of a cable news show in history. As well as his own weekend slot, Lawrence has regularly been a roving reporter Fox & Friends and travelled the width of the country covering some of the biggest news stories.
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Lawrence admitted he appreciates the opportunity to take on the show but revealed he "is no TC".
Tucker Carlson abruptly left Fox News (Fox News)Taking to Twitter after the news broke, the presenter said: "Grateful for this opportunity family. I’m no TC.. he carved his own lane & earned your trust. I can only be the LJ you’ve allowed to grow the last 9 years on Fox."
While the response to his appointment has been largely positive, a number of fans warned him he simply won't get the viewing figures, blaming the organisation for their part in turning people away from the channel.
One user replied to Lawrence: "Congratulations and best of luck to you! Don't take it personal when the numbers aren't there. FOX "fired" alot of their viewers when they fired Tucker and that isn't on YOU. Do you and keep growing!"
Another added: "I wish you the best… I’m so sorry you were put in this slot I hope you always do well."
And a third wrote: "Congrats and good luck but no Fox for me."
Lawrence Jones is proud to be named as Tucker's replacement (Getty Images)While Lawrence looks forward to his new slot, rival corporation Newsmax is said to be lining up a huge bid to lure Tucker to their team.
While he is currently unable to discuss any formal job offers due to his contract, Tucker has remained cryptic about what the future holds.
According to TMZ, the organisation is pondering an offer as ratings shot up following Tucker's dismissal from Fox.
And Tucker isn't short of offers, with One America Network CEO, Robert Herring, saying he would "like to extend an invitation to Carlson to meet for negotiation to become a part of the OAN team," according to a report about his departure on the OAN website.
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