First Take host Molly Qerim's mystery absence continues as fans left worried

ESPN First Take host and moderator Molly Qerim has now missed seven consecutive shows with no reason being given for her absence.

Qerim has now been the moderator of the nine years since joining alongside Stephen A. Smith , and becoming a beloved figure amongst ESPN 's airways and to its fans. And while she regularly takes the time away from the show for vacations, her absence has always been explained. However, this has not been the case this time around.

Qerim has not appeared on First Take since Wednesday, October 9, with her replacements making no statement on the air, nor has her name been brought up. ESPN is also yet to comment on Qerim's absence, with fans becoming considered.

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One had written: "Where is Molly Qerim? It's been like a week now," while another said: "where is Molly? Again she isn't on the show and there is no explanation! We want Molly Qerim back on First Take ASAP! I do love Mad Dog also he's the best."

A third said: "Why is Molly Qerim not on First take she's not on the show again! Molly come back the show is nothing without you."

While also not being on the show, Qerim has not been active on any of her social media platforms, not posting on her Instagram for over two weeks. Qerim's last post had been promoting ESPN's new betting platform, ESPN Bet, which is believed to be a scheduled post.

First Take has seen moderators rotate since Qerim has not been on, with Chris 'Mad Dog' Russo, Shae Cornette and Christine Williamson all filling in for her.

Qerim first joined the show in 2015, taking over the role from Cari Champion, who had moderated for Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless for four years before leaving to join SportsCenter. She has been a fan favorite ever since stepping into the role, while staying on the show after Bayless left, seeing Max Kellerman join for five years before he left with Smith now rotating hosts.

NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe is one of many regulars who fill in the role as co-hosts, rotating with the likes of Ryan Clark, Brian Windhorst, Damien Woody, Louis Riddick, Kendrick Perkins and more.

On a Barstool Sports podcast last week, Bayless stated that Smith attempted to bring him back onto the show in 2020, which both had interest in, but the former had to stay with FOX due to his contract.