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Ousted from ‘Today,’ Ann Curry says she’s ‘hurt deeply’ by leaks

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Ann Curry will leave “Today” on Thursday -- but it doesn’t sound like she’ll be leaving with a smile.

In an interview with USA Today, the 55-year-old newswoman confirmed that she will exit as cohost of the NBC morning news show and that the departure was most definitely not voluntary. Rumors have swirled about her tenure since earlier this year and exploded earlier this month after the New York Times reported that NBC executives were preparing to push her out.

“I don’t know who has been behind the leaks, but no question they’ve hurt deeply,” Curry was quoted as saying. She said she would announce her exit herself: “I’m going to have to tell our viewers. That’s what makes me more emotional than anything.”

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PHOTOS: TV’s axings and exits

When asked whether she felt that her yearlong stint alongside cohost Matt Lauer was long enough to work out the inevitable “kinks” in morning TV, she replied, “No, I do not.”

“Today” has been the most-watched morning show in the nation for more than 15 years, but in recent months it has struggled to maintain its lead over ABC’s “Good Morning America.” Curry has been criticized for being too bland and lacking chemistry with Lauer, who recently extended his deal.

NBC has not announced who would replace Curry, but the most recent speculation has centered on Savannah Guthrie, the cohost of “Today’s” third hour alongside Al Roker and Natalie Morales.

PHOTOS: TV’s axings and exits

Curry will go on to an NBC News job leading a seven-person team covering stories for “NBC Nightly News,” “Dateline” and, yes, even “Today.” If that indeed comes to past, there may be some interesting encounters at the vending machines backstage at “Today.”

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What do you think of Curry’s exit?

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