Extra! Mario Lopez to Host Extra

Lopez replaces Mark McGrath, who will return full-time to music as Sugar Ray releases new album.

By Paige Albinak -- Broadcasting & Cable, 7/28/2008 5:12:00 PM

Mario Lopez is taking over as host of Warner Bros.’ access magazine, Extra, Sept. 15, said Hilary Estey McLoughlin, president of Telepictures Productions, and Extra senior executive producer Lisa Gregorisch-Dempsey in a statement Monday.

Lopez replaces Mark McGrath, lead singer of the band Sugar Ray. The band is releasing a new album in early 2009 and McGrath wants to return to focusing full-time on his music career, Gregorisch-Dempsey said.

“When Mark came to us and asked to be let out of his contract in order to return to his first love -- making music -- we were, of course, thrilled for him but sad not to be working with him on a daily basis in the future,” she said. “Mark will always be a part of the Extra family.”

Meanwhile, Extra’s longtime co-host, Dayna Devon, was named special correspondent, and she also will serve as Lopez’ backup host.

Lopez, who was a popular competitor on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, has been working as co-host of Extra Weekend and as a daily correspondent since January 2007. Lopez also hosts Warner Horizon Television’s Randy Jackson Presents America’s Best Dance Crew, now in its second season on MTV, and he’s starring in A Chorus Line on Broadway. He first became known to audiences on NBC’s popular teen show, Saved by the Bell.

Warner Bros. renewed Extra on TV stations through 2011-12.