“It’s been a heavy time” — David Muir admits he’s been ‘in denial’ over looming ABC EXIT that has fans bracing for the end of an ERA on World News Tonight

 

After more than a decade at the helm of World News Tonight, David Muir has finally broken his silence on rumors surrounding his future—and what he revealed has viewers in shock. Calling it a “heavy time,” Muir confessed to being in emotional denial about a decision he’s long put off. Is the beloved anchor preparing to step away for good? What personal truth is driving this moment? Industry insiders say it’s bigger than anyone expected.

Tap to uncover what David Muir didn’t say on air—until now.

David Muir
David Muir has opened up about his time on the small screen(Image: Variety via Getty Images)

It’s been an emotional roller coaster for David Muir, the face of ABC’s World News Tonight, in recent weeks.

The 51-year-old heartthrob has been at the forefront of ABC’s primetime news for over a decade and shows no signs of slowing down. During a guest appearance on LIVE with Kelly and Mark, alongside his good friends Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos, he delved into a range of topics related to his constant presence on television.

Kelly couldn’t resist singing his praises when she mentioned that David’s show had just won the Outstanding Live News Program for the third consecutive year at the 6th annual News and Documentary Emmy Awards.

“I predict you’re literally going to be the Oprah Winfrey of the evening news, where you take yourself out of contention so the other anchors have [a chance],” she joked.

 

David Muir
David admitted it has been ‘really heavy time’ at ABC(Image: The Washington Post via Getty Images)

David shared that despite clinching the top spot for the third year running, it was also the third year in a row he was unable to attend the awards ceremony. He confessed that previous commitments kept him away the first two times, and superstition prevented him from attending the third time, reports the Mirror US.

He emphasized, “It’s really about the team. I was at a dinner, but I did have the phone on with the live feed. I just glanced over and I could read the lips, and I think they said ‘ABC World News,’ and then the team gets up.

David was effusive in his praise, saying, “And I have to say, I told the team, it meant more to me to be able to see them go up on the stage, they’re incredible. These folks, I’ve been working with [them] for 11 years now,”.

He fondly remembered Kelly and Mark’s support during his initial days as anchor after taking over from Diane Sawyer in August 2014. Mark inquired if the experience felt the same now as it did back then, hinting that recent news cycles could be more challenging.

“Listen, it’s been a really heavy time, and it hasn’t let up,” David responded. “I’ve joked with you guys, I feel like I need to say, ‘Good evening, and I’m sorry’,” but he also mentioned, “But we’ll get through it.”

The television personality’s candid moment comes shortly after he had to say goodbye to his cherished colleague, stage manager Michelle Mayer, who decided to leave the network after an impressive tenure of over 30 years to return to her native Kentucky.

During last Tuesday’s broadcast, David took a moment to deliver a heartfelt tribute to Michelle before her departure, with Diane and Charlie Gibson joining in to honor their time with her.

“I am still in denial about all this,” David confessed in the touching tribute, continuing, “I cannot believe that Shelly is leaving my partner in crime out there. She’s the one who’s cuing me every single night, standing next to the camera, but Shelly, only for you tonight, I hope you’ll notice that you’re going to see my cuffs.

“The only reason anyone ever sees cuffs is because Shelley’s always saying, pull your cuff. My watch. I’ve got my watch on, because Shelly likes it when I show up with my watch on. Only happens, like once or twice a year.”

But the star didn’t stop there with his personal touches, as he also noted, “I got a full suit on today, only for you, Shelley, as you know, usually jeans in the waist down behind that desk. But for you, the full suit. And I don’t dig the jeans, and I got a haircut. I got a haircut for you. “.

David wrapped up by effusively stating, “This moment is yours. You deserve this, Shelley. Go home to Kentucky, giving back with your family, the horses, and the beautiful countryside. And what 11 years this has been by my side-I don’t know what I’m gonna do without you.”

The segment concluded with the camera shifting to Michelle, who-for the final time-was signaling to cue David off air.