Molly Qerim (Photo By Instagram/@mollyqerim)
Molly Qerim just gave sports fans in New York a reason to clear their calendars. The longtime host of ESPN’s First Take revealed that she and Stephen A. Smith are taking the show out of the studio and onto a live stage later this month. It’s a rare chance for viewers to catch the dynamic duo in action, up close and personal.

Qerim, who’s been at the helm of First Take since 2015, shared the exciting news on Instagram. The show will broadcast live from Fanatics Fest in New York City on Friday, June 20, from 10 a.m. to noon Eastern Time.

ESPN officially confirmed the appearance in a post Wednesday, writing, “First Take will be LIVE from Fanatics Fest Friday, June 20, See you there!”

Fans React To Live First Take at Fanatics Fest

Molly Qerim and Stephen Smith (Photo By Imagn Images)

Unsurprisingly, fans are buzzing about the upcoming broadcast. With Qerim’s popularity on social media, she boasts over 700,000 Instagram followers, and Smith’s headline-making takes, the live appearance promises to draw a crowd. The chemistry between the two has become a staple of morning sports television, and now fans will get to see it in person.

“Let’s goooo,” one fan wrote in the comments, clearly fired up.

Others echoed the excitement, posting fire emojis and even drawing comparisons to The Shop, asking who would pull the better guest lineup.

Another added, “Another great event in New York City. God bless you all.”

Fanatics Fest, hosted by the global sports memorabilia brand Fanatics, ranks among the premier events for collectors and fans alike. Featuring exclusive merchandise and appearances from top names in sports and entertainment, the festival gives fans rare access to the industry’s biggest personalities. This year, First Take is taking center stage.

Qerim, a proud UConn alum, is known for her balance and quick wit on air. She often keeps Stephen A. Smith in check, no easy task. Now, she’s bringing that same energy to the public. Fans are thrilled and showing their excitement online. Judging by the buzz, the city is more than ready for her next move.

Fearne Cotton has broken her silence on split from husband Jesse Wood in her first TV interview since the breakup.

Joining Lorraine Kelly on Monday’s episode of the ITV show, the TV presenter, 43, also gave an health update after having two tumours removed from jaw.

Fearne announced her split from Jesse, the son of Rolling Stones bass guitarist Ronnie Wood, in December after 10 years of marriage.

She has since made swipes at Jesse and moved on with TV director Elliot Hegarty, with the pair having been seen kissing during a recent night out.

Fearne has had a difficult few months after undergoing surgery to remove two benign tumours from her jawline, just days before her split with Jesse emerged.

She told host Lorraine: ‘It’s all very amicable and kids are doing great. I am in a very good place.’place.’

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Fearne Cotton has broken her silence on split from husband Jesse Wood in her first TV interview since the breakup

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Fearne announced her split from Jesse, the son of Rolling Stones bass guitarist Ronnie Wood , in December after 10 years of marriage (both pictured in February 2024)

Discussing her recent surgery, she added: ‘I feel very grateful to have completely recovered.

‘I feel really good. I have a lot of people reaching out who have had the same thing.’

Davina McCall, 56, announced in November she’d been diagnosed with a colloid cyst, a rare type of benign brain tumour, and has supported Fearne.

She continued: ‘Everyone needs a Davina. She’s been amazing, weird that we had the same health thing going on at the same time. She’s so calming and we speak every day. She is just the best

It comes after Fearne has seemingly made another thinly-veiled dig at her ex-husband as she gushed that she is the happiest she’s ever been in a positive update.

Speaking to Scott Mills on his BBC Radio 2 breakfast show, Fearne gushed that she is ‘really happy’ and is ‘springing out of bed in the morning ready for life’.

Scott, who has known Fearne for 25 years, said he has never seen her ‘more positive or happier’, prompting Fearne to agree and reply: ‘Yeah I feel great!’