Craig Melvin anxious, excited to replace Hoda Kotb on 'Today'

Craig Melvin has big shoes to fill.

And since Hoda left, he knows it.

In November, NBC named Craig Melvin to replace Hoda Kotb on Today's show.

He freely admits how daunting it is to replace such an iconic TV host.

Co-hosting “Today” will be huge for Craig Melvin

Following the departure of Hoda Kotb on Friday January 10 from TodayCraig Melvin gets one of the most sought-after broadcast roles on television. Naturally, he is anxious.

“I think I'm as ready as I can be,” the veteran presenter said. Entertainment tonight ahead of the transition.

“I'm excited. I'm anxious,” he admitted. He then said: “I'm nervous but I'm honored.”

“It would be nice if I didn’t have to follow Hoda Kotb,” Melvin continued. In other words, she set the bar very high in terms of audience relations – and in terms of ratings.

“It would be nice if the show didn’t do as well as it does,” he added. “But I’ve made peace with that.”

Melvin emphasized: “We are going to give it our all. …You just don't want to be the man or woman who ruins everything.

Everyone has advice for Craig Melvin in his new role

During the Entertainment tonight interview, he received the advice: “Don’t eat on TV. » Even though he wasn't Savannah Guthrie's co-host yet, he enjoyed a few Today snacks on air before.

“By the way, you know this is one of my mom's biggest pet peeves,” Melvin shared. “She said to me: 'Why do you always eat on TV like you haven't eaten anything all day?'”

He went on to explain, “And I'm like, 'Some days I'm not up, like, I've been up for five hours.' It's my lunch.'

It will take more than dietary restrictions (and maybe a few dance moves, like AND also suggested) to ensure Craig Melvin's place in viewers' minds.

Hoda Kotb has been the face of the show for 17 years. She has built relationships with celebrity guests and with viewers watching at home.

When Melvin makes his official debut on January 13, it might come as a shock to audiences. (Change is hard!)

Ultimately, his success will be measured in grades

A few weeks ago, an inside source spoke to Closer on the challenges of Craig Melvin's new concert.

“No one wonders if he's worth it, he's a very talented guy who has worked very hard for this opportunity,” the source claimed. “The whole team is on board with him taking on this role.”

The source admitted: “But of course the pressure is really on because he has huge shoes to fill. Hoda is a total legend. The public loved it, as did the channel.