It’s official: Mario Lopez is joining ‘Access Hollywood’

After months of speculation, Deadline confirmed that Mario Lopez will join NBCUniversal’s syndicated “Access Hollywood.”

NBCU later confirmed the hire with a press release.

Lopez has been host of syndicated “Extra,” which will be renamed “Extra Extra” when its 26th season debuts this fall.

His deal as host, which has been rumored for months, also includes a development deal with NBCUniversal.

Former “Today” anchor Natalie Morales exited the show in April.

Lopez will join existing co-hosts Kit Hoover and Scott Evans beginning Sept. 9.

Lopez’s jump from a one competing show to another is not unique — former “Access Hollywood” host Nancy O’Dell joined “Entertainment Tonight” in 2011 after leaving “Access Hollywood” in 2009.