End of an era.
Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey De Leon appeared live on YouTube Wednesday to announce the end of their partnership with show producer Television and Production Exponents, Inc. (TAPE Inc.)
It was Vic who made the announcement, saying, "Simula ngayong araw, May 31, 2023, kami po ay magpapaalam na sa TAPE Inc."
Prior to Vic's announcement, Tito shared how they were not allowed by "new management" to air live that day.
"Pumasok kaming lahat ngayong araw na ito para makapagtrabaho pero hindi kami pinayagan umere ng live," he said.
Joey recalled the beginnings of the show.
"Kung natatandaan ninyo po July 30, 1979 nang simulan namin ang 'Eat Bulaga.' 44 years na po ngayon taon na ito...lubos ang aming pasasalamat sa mga naging tahanan namin, unang-una ang RPN 9 for 9 years, ang ABS-CBN for 6 years, at ang GMA for 28 years..."
The three thanked fans and supporters, making special mention of Tony Tuviera, former president and CEO of TAPE Inc., before Vic emotionally intoned, "Hangad lang namin ang makapagtrabaho ng mapayapa, walang inaagrabyado at may respeto sa bawat isa...hanggang sa muli."
Reports about the show ending its run on GMA emerged only days ago.
It was alleged that Tito, Vic and Joey are already in talks with other producers.
There were also reports about the show being moved to TV5.
A report on Pep.Ph said it's already a "done deal."
Veteran scribe Cristy Fermin said very much the same thing, maintaining everyone involved are just waiting for the "go signal" of Tito, Vic and Joey.