Having just signed a lucrative new deal with the CBS ‘Early Show,’ energetic weatherman Dave Price may have also landed one sweet Plinko chip in the bargain—hosting duties of ‘The Price is Right.’
Legendary host and noted animal rights activist Bob Barker announced last Tuesday that he plans to step down from the long-running game show in June of 2007 after 35 years at the helm. According to the New York Post, Price, who has been with the ‘Early Show’ since 2003, auditioned for Barker’s replacement back in September at the Broadway offices of FreemantleMedia. Freemantle distributes and produces ‘The Price is Right’ along with CBS, but thus far has not confirmed whether Price will don the famous mini mic and ask contestants for their bids next summer.
The ever-charismatic Barker, who endeared himself to the college-age crowd when he knocked out Adam Sandler in the golf comedy Happy Gilmore, made note that Freemantle had been searching for new blood for "two or three years." The most important qualification for the job was familiarity with the 80 plus games. "The games have to be just like riding a bicycle," Barker said. Adding, "Then he [Price] will be relaxed enough…to make it a lot of fun."
CBS has deemed an official announcement on Barker’s replacement too soon for now. The network has plans for a prime-time special to honor Barker.
