Seth Meyers is sending a lot of love and gratitude Jimmy Fallon's way.

 

Meyers said he wouldn't have been promoted to his new "Late Night" hosting gig if Fallon hadn't proved that anchoring "Weekend Update" is the perfect training ground. Fallon will take the lead on "The Tonight Show" in February 2014. And Meyers will step into his new job around the same time, NBC announced this week.

 

Bing: More on 'The Tonight Show' | Jimmy Fallon | Seth Meyers

 

"I think I owe a debt of gratitude to Jimmy for having gone from 'Update' to 'Late Night' and shown that it's a nice progression," Meyers said on the 'Today' show Thursday. "So I'm very happy to be doing it. But, I mean, I think if you sit at that 'Update' desk, you learn how to talk about topical stories and certainly with the guests, you learn to talk to crazy people. Although, if you do late night there are real crazy people as opposed to Bill Hader  pretending to be one."

 

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Hosting "Late Night with Seth Meyers" wasn't his only option. ESPN had been courting Meyers to helm a new late-night sports talk show. Meyers impressed ESPN executives when he twice hosted the ESPY Awards. But in the end, Meyers wanted to keep working with his "SNL" boss, Lorne Michaels, and opted to stay at NBC. Meyers, who is the head writer for "Saturday Night Live," will continue working on the show through the fall.

 

"I'm nowhere near emotionally ready for Saturday to be my last show -- I wouldn't be able to handle that," Meyers said of the "SNL" season finale, which airs May 18. "It's very strange to get a job that doesn't start for eight, nine months. So I think we'll do a lot of talking about it. But I think it'll be one of those things where the first show you do you're gonna learn 1,000 things you didn't know yet."

 

The "Saturday Night Live" Season 38 finale airs Saturday, May 18, at 11:35 p.m. ET/PT on NBC. "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" airs weeknights at 12:35 a.m. ET/PT on NBC.

 

By Michelle Strub

MSN TV

 

So many questions! Sean "Diddy" Combs tweeted Wednesday afternoon that he's joining the cast of "Downton Abbey." Right now it's unclear if this is real, a publicity stunt, he's having a public meltdown, or if the rapper-turned-someti​mes-actor has been hacked.

 

 

 

Bing: Sean "Diddy" Combs | 'Downton Abbey'

 

"Downton" producers previously announced that they're adding the show's first black character in Season 4, but named Gary Carr as the actor to play the part.

 

More: 'Downton Abbey' Season 4 gets January 2014 date in U.S.

 

We're sure we'll know soon whether this is actually happening -- thank you, Internet sleuths (and/or hopefully a statement from PBS)! Until then, we'll just sit here pondering all the ways this could go wrong ... or right?

 

What do you think the Dowager Countess would say about all of this? Tell us at MSN TV on Facebook and Twitter.

 

UPDATE [3:08 p.m. PT]: According to the Sun-Times, a spokeswoman for WGBH, the Boston public TV station that brings the British series to America, has said this is untrue -- Diddy is NOT joining the cast.

 

UPDATE [3:32 p.m. PT]: Diddy continues to tweet as if it's true and has Instagrammed a photo from the set as "proof." 

More: Most shocking moments of 'Downton' Season 3 

 

Update [5:18 p.m. PT]: Diddy posted yet another photo supposedly from the set of "Downton." That facial hair doesn't really seem to match the era in which the show takes place, right? Looks like we'll be anxiously awaiting midnight to see what it is he's pulling. That Diddy!

UPDATE [12 a.m. PT]: Well, Diddy wasn't kidding after all. Downton Diddy he is.

 

Daytime hosts, notable athletes, sports newsman and reality TV stars turned out to help "Maury" celebrate its 2500th episode, airing Friday, May 17. The landmark episode also caught up with memorable first guests and featured a few surprises for Maury Povich, including his wife Connie Chung jumping out of a cake!

Bing: More about "Maury" | Watch clips and episodes of "Maury"

 

The guest list for the big "Maury" episode featured Barbara Walters, Shaquille O'Neal, Katie Couric, the ladies of "The Talk," Donald Trump, Joan Rivers, Kathy Griffin, NeNe Leakes, Steve Harvey, Wendy Williams, Jack Hanna, Billy Bush and Kit Hoover, Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder, former Washington Redskins quarterback Joe Theismann, "Pardon the Interruption" hosts Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon and fellow NBC Universal talk show hosts Jerry Springer, Steve Wilkos and Trisha Goddard. 

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Selena Gomez and Honey Boo Boo also got involved in the celebration via video messages. Gomez had a surprise for a returning guest, while Honey Boo Boo let Povich know that he's not the father. Phew!

 

"Maury" will also catch up with the guests who started it all, including the guests who took the very first paternity and lie detector tests and the show's first out of control teen.

 

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Povich has more than 2500 reasons to celebrate. "Maury" goes into its landmark episode with 100 consecutive weeks as the #1 syndicated talk show among Women 18-34, Adults 18-34 and Adults 18-49.

 

"Maury" airs weekdays in syndication. 

 

 

"The Bold and the Beautiful" beauty Jacqueline MacInnes Wood (Steffy) is taking a break from the drama this summer, but the Daytime Emmy nominee is not leaving for good.

Bing: More about Jacqueline MacInnes Wood | 'The Bold and the Beautiful'

 

"Jacqueline MacInnes Wood is taking a short break, as she has done in the past, from 'B&B,'" a show rep told MSN TV. "She remains as the character of 'Steffy Forrester'; and is continuing to tape, currently, with episodes airing through July of 2013 and then beyond."  

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During Wood's past breaks from the soap, she shot the blockbuster "Final Destination 5," the pilot for "Arrow" and the upcoming Lifetime thriller "Her Husband's Betrayal." A DJ and singer, Wood also released her debut single "After Hours" in January 2012.

 

As "The Bold and the Beautiful" fans know, Wood's character Steffy been caught in a love triangle that aims to rival the show's epic Taylor/Ridge/Brooke triangle. As the scheming vixen of the younger set, Ridge and Taylor's daughter stooped pretty low in her battle to win Bill's son Liam away from Brooke's daughter Hope. Though Steffy seemed to have no limits, she's shown a softer side of late. That and a bun in the oven helped her finally marry Liam, but as news of Wood's short-term exit broke, Steffy was mowed down in a motorcycle accident on the show. 

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With Woods set to tape scenes Friday, May 17, and air into August, one can expect Steffy will wake up before exiting the canvas this summer. The fate of her unborn baby is another matter. 

  

"The Bold and the Beautiful" airs weekdays on CBS.

 

"The Bold and the Beautiful" and the daytime television community lost another member of its family on May 11 when Ronald L Weaver passed away. Soap opera fans may not recognize Weaver's face, but his work is another story. The producer helped launch "The Bold and the Beautiful" and worked with the drama until April of this year, earning three Daytime Emmys along the way. Weaver also had a hand in launching beloved daytime children's show like "Sesame Street" and "The Electric Company."

Bing: More about Ron Weaver | "The Bold and the Beautiful"

 

"I am saddened to learn of the passing of Ron Weaver," said "The Bold and the Beautiful" showrunner Bradley Bell. "Ron was talented, a good friend to all of us, and a 26 year producer of 'The Bold and the Beautiful.' He will be missed, will always be remembered and will forever remain in our hearts."

Weaver joined "The Bold and the Beautiful" back in 1986, helping creators William J. Bell and Lee Phillip Bell launch their CBS soap opera. When he retired almost three decades later, he was the series' number two behind the scenes player. In addition to serving as the show's senior producer, he was vice president of BBL Distribution, Inc., the distribution arm of Bell-Phillip Television Productions. Weaver oversaw the day-to-day management of the series, as well as its international sales, operations and promotion.

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With "The Bold and the Beautiful" earning a Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Drama Series, Weaver is in the running for a fourth trophy, along with his former production team. Those interested in the history of the series might enjoy Weaver's blog post about the team that helped create the show.

 

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Before moving into the soap biz, Weaver spent 13 years with Children's Television Workshop, climbing to Director of Operations and Production Services. During his tenure with CTW, Weaver helped launch "Sesame Street," "The Electric Company," "3-2-1 Contact," "Feeling Good" and "The Best of Families," as well as the international co-productions of "Sesame Street" in Latin America.

Born on June 9, 1937, Weaver was drawn to entertainment from childhood. After a two-year stint in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, he moved to New York City to build an acting career. He spent 20 year as a performer and photographer, studying under Lee Strasberg, before transitioning into production. One of his early gigs behind the camera was writing and producing for the documentary series "Eye on New York." 

 

In 2010, Weaver also released his first novel, "Soul Mates." "The Bold and the Beautiful" castmembers supported his book launch with readings at local bookstores. (Click to watch video of Ronn Moss, Lesli Kay and Lesley-Anne Down sharing Weaver's work.)

 

Weaver passed away in his Los Angeles home on May 11 and is survived by his partner of 29 years, Franko E. Weaver; daughter Jen Finkle-Weaver; son Kevin Weaver, an Atlantic Records Group exec; and grandchildren Ella, Taji, Kyle and Davis.

 

A private funeral service will be held in Encino. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Three Rivers Lions Club (P.O. Box 134, Three Rivers, MI 49093) or AIDS Project Los Angeles.

"The Bold and the Beautiful" airs weekdays on CBS.

 

 

Reality TV guru Mark Burnett apparently sees Sarah Palin as the next Oprah. Now, he just has to convince the conservative firebrand, politician and best-selling author to sign on. Palin allegedly turned down Burnett's offer to host a major syndicated talk show, but isn't ruling out the idea of bringing her brand to the "lamestream media."

 

Bing: More about Sarah Palin | Mark Burnett

"Todd and I have always loved working with Mark Burnett, and our family is always up for adventure, so never say never," Palin told Newsmax.

 

While the specifics of Burnett's offer weren't released, the story offers a few theories on why Palin hasn't signed on yet. One source pointed to the show location, which would be either New York or Los Angeles. That would cause a clear logistical issue for the Alaskan native, but another insider points to Palin's "distaste for cultural elites in the Big Apple and LA."

 

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A third insider suggests location isn't the sticking issue: Money is.

 

While Burnett didn't comment on the story, Palin's quote indicates the talk show could still come to fruition.

 

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Former Vice Presidential candidate Palin teamed up with Burnett's production company to host TLC's "Sarah Palin's Alaska" in 2010-11. This venture would be Burnett's first daytime talk show, though he's certainly no newcomer to TV. The King of Reality TV changed the face of primetime when he launched "Survivor" in 2000. Current shows include "The Apprentice," "The Voice" and "Shark Tank." Burnett and wife Roma Downy also produced the History channel's hit miniseries "The Bible."

 

ICYMI: This post includes details from the "How I Met Your Mother" Season 8 finale.

 

After eight seasons, fans of the hit CBS comedy "How I Met Your Mother," finally know who the mother is. It's actress Cristin Milioti, who appeared at the tail end of the show's Season 8 finale Monday night.

 

Identified only as "The Girl With the Yellow Umbrella," Milioti will play a major part in the final season of "How I Met Your Mother," when the sitcom returns next fall, CBS confirmed. For weeks, fans have been speculating about who the mother would be, drawing from a long list of guest stars who have appeared on the show, including pop star Britney Spears.

 

Bing: More on 'How I Met Your Mother' | Cristin Milioti

 

Milioti is best known for her Tony-nominated performance in the stage production of "Once," and her turn as "sexy baby" writer Abby Flynn on the "30 Rock" episode, "TGS Hates Women." Best of all, fans can't have any preconceived notions about what kind of woman she is because Ted (Josh Radnor) hasn't met her yet. A closing montage showed everyone en route to Barney (Neil Patrick Harris) and Robin's (Cobie Smulders) wedding, but Milioti's character wasn't introduced to anyone other than the audience.

 

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"It was a pretty big umbrella to fill, casting the title role in a series that's been on the air for eight years," said Carter Bays, the co-creator and executive producer behind "HIMYM," in a statement. "And yet Cristin Milioti is, against all odds, exactly what we were looking for. She made us laugh on '30 Rock,' she made us swoon in 'Once,' and her ukulele skills are no joke. We're thrilled to welcome her to the 'How I Met Your Mother' family, and look forward to getting to know her -- and the character she plays -- much better in the coming final season."

 

Rumors have been swirling that the whole season will play out in real time. Bays didn't confirm or deny this but said Season 9 will, "tell the epic story of the longest wedding weekend ever" and that he and co-creator and executive producer, Craig Thomas will, "take some risks with time."

 

"How I Met Your Mother" returns for its ninth and final season this fall on CBS.  

 

"The Young and the Restless" will break the fourth wall for a special tribute episode honoring the late Jeanne Cooper on Tuesday, May 28. Cast, friends and family will gather on the Chancellor mansion set for a celebration of her life. The death of Cooper's beloved character Katherine will not hit Genoa City until this summer.

 

Bing: More about Jeanne Cooper | "The Young and the Restless"

 

Cooper's May 8 passing left the daytime community reeling. The 84-year-old, Emmy-winning powerhouse had ruled "The Young and the Restless" canvas as Katherine Chancellor for nearly 40 years and was the show’s longest-running cast member. This week, her co-stars will leave their characters behind for a day to shoot a special one-hour memorial episode.

 

"We'll serve tea and let everyone talk and cry and laughs and share, and we'll find the best photos and clips we can get our hands on and edit it all together into a beautiful celebration episode," explained "The Young and the Restless" executive producer Jill Farren Phelps. "This is all for Jeanne."

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Scheduled participants include Jess Walton (Jill), Melody Thomas Scott (Nikki), Eric Braeden (Victor), Peter Bergman (Jack), Doug Davidson (Paul), Christian LeBlanc (Michael), Michelle Stafford (Phyllis), Tracey Bregman (Lauren), Kristoff St. John (Neil), Greg Rikaart (Kevin), Billy Miller (Billy), Daniel Goddard (Cane), Kate Linder (Esther), Bryton James (Devon), Tricia Cast (Nina), Lauralee Bell (Christine), Beth Maitland (Traci), Michael Fairman (Murphy) and Jerry Douglas (John); along with former costars John McCook (Eric, "The Bold and the Beautiful") and Heather Tom (Katie, "The Bold and the Beautiful"). George Guzman and Patti Denney, from "The Young and the Restless" hair and makeup department, will also share their memories, according to a TV Guide report. 

 

Cooper's real-life son, Corbin Bersen ("Psyche," "L.A. Law"), who kept fans updated through her final health battle, will also take part in the tribute. When Katherine passes away this summer, he will return to the show as his character, Father Todd.

 

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As previously reported, Cooper's final scene has already aired. As seen in the May 3 clip above, Katherine returned to Chancellor manse after having a tumor removed and ascended the stair one last time. When Jill offered to help her, she said her final words as Katherine: "I think I can manage ... Goodnight."

 

Katherine will be written out of story and sent on vacation with her husband for a few months, so the show can properly address the character's passing. Genoa City will be hit by her death sometime in July.

 

"The greatest way to honor Jeanne is to make Kay's exit as dramatic and meaningful as possible," Phelps said. "We have not yet decided how Kay's life will actually end, but we are talking a bit already about what she will leave in her wake. It will be something that will leave the memory of Kay Chancellor deeply imbedded in everyone in Genoa City. What happens to Chancellor Industries? What decisions did Kay make in the event of her death? The ramifications need to be big."

 

"The Young and the Restless" airs weekdays on CBS.