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Morales planning ‘Today’ exit amid power struggle

Today” co-host Natalie Morales is planning her next TV move because of the tense atmosphere behind the scenes of the NBC show.

Sources tell us that Morales’ reps have been looking for other roles for her amid a power struggle with fellow host Tamron Hall and NBC News President Deborah Turness.

Popular Morales joined “Today” in 2006 as a national correspondent, and was promoted to the third-hour co-host. She’s been passed over for a top anchor spot several times, including as Ann Curry’s replacement. The role went to Savannah Guthrie.

But Page Six can reveal Turness hasn’t talked to Morales in months and instead wishes to promote Hall into a bigger role.

An NBC source told Page Six, “There’s a lot of tension. Natalie and Tamron are competitive, and there was a big blowup in October between the two. Deborah has an issue with Natalie and has sided with Tamron. There has been zero communication between Deborah and Natalie for a long period of time. It’s the talk of NBC staff.”

The source added that Morales had lunch with “Today” executive producer Don Nash last week about the problem, “and she didn’t get the reassurance she had hoped for about her future at ‘Today.’ ” The show also has the option of using former “GMA” anchor Josh Elliott after his noncompete clause expired. But he is expected to be busy in his sports role for at least the next few months.

A separate insider added, “Natalie’s agent at WME has been reaching out discreetly looking for other opportunities for her. She could be interested in a talk show.” WME had no comment.

But another source countered, “Natalie has two more years on her ‘Today’ contract. Her agent has not made one outgoing call. Other networks have been calling them.”

Nash said in a statement, “This is total nonsense. As the ‘Today’ show continues to gain momentum, it sounds like someone is trying to stir up trouble that doesn’t exist. Natalie Morales is valued by everyone at the news division from the top down, and her future is with the ‘Today’ show and NBC News.”