First Take fans beg for more Elle Duncan on the show after ESPN SportsCenter host joins Molly Qerim in crossover edition
FIRST Take fans were treated to an awesome crossover event with one of the stars of ESPN joining the show.
Elle Duncan, the host of SportsCenter, made her way onto First Take alongside Molly Qerim on Wednesday.
Qerim opened the show with a massive smile on the face, as joining her on the First Take desk was Duncan and Chris Russo.
"Today is a really special day everybody," Qerim said.
"There's a lot happening. First of all, it's Wednesday, so you know it's Christopher 'Mad Dog' Russo.
"Then we've got more! Elle Duncan for the full two hours!"
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Fans were thrilled to see a combo of Qerim and Duncan and were quick to share their praises on social media.
"Elle Duncan might be my favorite personality on ESPN," one fan said.
"Elle Duncan should be on First Take a lot more!" another fan said.
"PUT ELLE DUNCAN ON EVERY DAY," a third fan said.
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"Side note: I absolutely adore Elle Duncan," a fourth fan said.
"Give Elle Duncan the supermax. She’s great at everything and every show she’s on," a fifth fan said.
Duncan wasn't the only reason Wednesday's episode of First Take was special though, as Stephen A. also made his long-awaited return to the show.
"Elle, it's also a big day because guess who came back?" Qerim said.
"Like back, back. Full time back. I'm back too, Mr. Stephen A. Smith.
"SA we missed you, and I want everyone at home to know he is not going anywhere, I am not going anywhere."
Russo was quick to make a joke to Stephen A, quipping that he has been out so long that he missed the Super Bowl.
First Take viewing figures
First Take went from strength to strength under the guidance of Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim last year.
The weekday ESPN debate show averaged 496,000 viewers in 2023 - making it the most-watched year in program history.
Its December average of 611,000 was a 24% year-on-year increase compared to 2022.
The show also reported more than 250 million views on YouTube.
First Take was helped by the addition of Shannon Sharpe alongside Smith and Qerim after he left Fox Sports' Undisputed.
"Steve what was your thoughts on Chiefs-Niners in the Super Bowl?" he said.
"We haven't heard from you in such a long time."
Stephen A. let out a big laugh after that, but his first words were to compliment Elle Duncan for being on the show.
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"Of course, the wonderful, the incomparable Elle Duncan," he said.
"Usually I'm giving people a hard time sitting in that seat but you know you my girl, c'mon now."
