Mario Lopez named solo host of 'Extra'

LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- Mario Lopez may be doing a happy dance after being picked as the new solo host of "Extra."

Lopez, 34, who's served as a correspondent for the syndicated entertainment newsmagazine and co-hosted its weekend edition since January 2007, will take over from co-hosts Mark McGrath and Dayna Devon, the producers of "Extra" announced Monday.

McGrath asked to be released from his contract to focus on his band, Sugar Ray, which is recording a new album, Telepictures Productions said. He continued to perform with the band while on "Extra."

Devon, with the show since 1999, will return to her "Extra" reporting roots with celebrity interviews and "celebrity lifestyle" stories and will serve as a substitute host for Lopez.

Lopez is a "rising star with a winning personality both on- and off-camera," "Extra" senior executive producer Lisa Gregorisch-Dempsey said.

Things are going his way: The one-time finalist on "Dancing with the Stars" is appearing on Broadway in a revival of the musical "A Chorus Line" and was named People magazine's "Hottest Bachelor" of 2008. His early credits include the sitcom "Saved by the Bell."

Lopez is set to take over as anchor on September 15 when the show begins its 15th season.

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