TODAY Show news anchor Al Roker snubbed fans as they screamed his name outside the studio – but his co-host Hoda Kotb took the time to run all the way to the back to dance with the audience.
Yesterday morning, an insider at the taping told The Sun Al, 68, passed by fans eager to meet the star – but his attention may have been elsewhere, as the anchor was also celebrating his birthday.
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Yesterday, Today cameras were focused on filming the Citi Concert Series at their New York City studios with guest performer Brendon Urie known for being the lead singer of Panic! at the Disco.
As the live rolling cameras were focused on the main act, Hoda, 58, and Al were enjoying the performance and dancing with the crowd in the VIP section.
The insider told The Sun Al was making his way towards the back section when groups of fans were screaming his name, eager to meet their favorite Today host.
However, Al abruptly turned away and walked straight past the fans shouting his name, without even a wave.
Meanwhile, Hoda made the time to walk all the way to the fans in the back of the general admission section.
She even had an emotional private moment with a fan while cameras were rolling.
HODA’S BIG HEART
Yesterday The Sun exclusively reported Hoda teared up while having a special conversation with a fan battling breast cancer.
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In March 2007, Hoda had a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery to battle her diagnosed breast cancer.
During her time since then as one of the most recognized faces on America’s television screens, fans have praised her advocacy for breast cancer awareness.
As the live rolling cameras were focused on Panic! at the Disco’s performance, Hoda was pulled aside by a fan holding a sign that said she was battling breast cancer.
The Today anchor spent extra time with the fan as she teared up and placed her hand over her heart.
As her eyes filled with humble tears, Hoda hugged her fan and smiled to snap a selfie in front of the sign.
Other fans gathered at the concert cheered for the touching moment cameras missed as Panic! at the Disco continued to play.
Meanwhile, Hoda’s co-host rival Savannah Guthrie, 50, was missing from this morning’s taping.
TEAM HODA OR SAVANNAH?
Earlier this month, Today’s staff members told The Sun they have chosen secret favorites amid the feud between Hoda and Savannah.
Staff exclusively told The Sun they prefer Hoda over Savannah and gushed over their favorite news anchor.
A source said Hoda is everyone’s “absolute favorite” and she is “so warm and friendly” to all of the staff behind cameras.
The source shared that Hoda takes the time out of her day to talk to the staff and hold small Q&A’s for the summer interns.
Hoda is also a “great mentor off-camera” and even knows everyone’s names around the studio.
As the Today staff source gushed over Hoda, they failed to mention anything about Savannah.
Meanwhile, Savannah and Hoda have been under fire from fans about their behavior on-air after it was revealed the two secretly “can’t stand each other” off-camera.
SHADY GUTHRIE
As Hoda was praised by her staff and co-workers for her “warm and friendly” nature, Savannah snubbed her interns and hair and makeup team in a cold off-camera moment.
Behind the scenes at the New York studios of the national morning show is always bustling – but according to an insider at the taping, Savannah’s assistants didn’t even get as much as a thank you.
During the rapid scene changes in commercial breaks while filming earlier this month, Savannah had a full staff of assistants to lend a helping hand.
Someone who appeared to be an intern was in charge of changing the anchors’ call cards and notes in between segments.
Savannah’s hair and makeup team also came around for last-minute touch-ups.
While the support staff was trying their best to help put on the show, Savannah was either talking to her co-hosts or on her phone.
The news anchor never made eye contact with her staff or even said thank you.
Meanwhile, the star was smiling widely on camera as she took center stage while Hoda was absent for the week celebrating her birthday with her family.
TIME TO SHINE
As Hoda was off-air, Savannah took the spotlight leading the biggest news stories and interacting with fans amid their ongoing feud.
The Sun exclusively reported Savannah was beaming ear-to-ear as she starred in the morning news report.
According to the insider at the taping, Today staff arranged the panel setup so that Savannah was placed front and center.
Savannah also reported all of the biggest news stories and interviewed the guest celebrity Idris Elba solo while Hoda was absent.
When Savannah exited the studio to film outside, she received a large roar from fans and smiled, making sure to wave to everyone and even stop to talk to a few fans.
FEUDING CO-HOSTS
Over the summer, there has been speculation the co-stars are at odds behind the cameras.
In June, a source close to production revealed to The Sun that the co-hosts secretly “can’t stand each other.”
The insider claimed: “Savannah is the boss. After Matt Lauer was ousted, Savannah grabbed power, and she really wanted Willy Geist in Hoda’s role, but his ratings were just not up to par for the network.”
“Hoda out maneuvered Savannah and got the spot.”
The source added that Savannah “thinks of herself as a real news person.”
“Jenna landed the best job on TV with zero experience- no one works people better than Jenna.”
The insider concluded: “She is a master at playing the game.”
Honda is described as “the lightweight that drank wine with Kathy Lee Gifford.”
“Savannah was the White House correspondent before getting the host job, which also explains her love for Jenna since her father was president.”
Hoda’s co-host, Jenna Bush Hager, is the daughter of former president George W. Bush.
Even though Jenna is Hoda’s co-host, the insider claimed that Jenna has played both sides between the women.
“Jenna and Savannah are the best of friends, and they ice Hoda out.”
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