Although she’s the host of The Insider, it turns out Lara Spencer did not have the inside advantage when it came to Mary Hart’s job.

For months now, it had been speculated that Spencer would take over Mary Hart’s soon-to-be vacant post at Entertainment Tonight. Unfortunately, Lara lost out to another blonde personality: Nancy O’Dell.

O’Dell is, of course, no stranger to entertainment reporting. She previously hosted Access Hollywood alongside Billy Bush.

"I remember watching Entertainment Tonight when it first premiered and dreaming about working for the show someday," O'Dell stated. "I am honored to be the one chosen to fill a TV legend's seat and I hope I can do her proud!"

Nancy will first appear on the ET set in January when she begins correspondent and fill-in anchoring duties. She will then take over the highly-coveted position when Hart signs off at the end of the 2010-11 season.

"Leaving this job was not an easy decision, but knowing I will pass the baton to Nancy O'Dell makes that decision much easier," Hart said. "Nancy is a talented and respected entertainment correspondent. We have spent many years working on opposite sides of the celebrity battlefield, and I know the show will flourish with Nancy as co-anchor."