Ken Jennings was caught ‘off guard’ by Mayim Bialik’s ‘Jeopardy!’ exit

Ken Jennings is speaking out about Mayim Bialik’s shocking departure from “Jeopardy!”

“It took me off guard, because I loved working with my Mayim and I’m gonna miss her,” Jennings, 49, told the Hollywood Reporter in an interview, which was published on Tuesday.

“I can’t speak to her decision-making process or her opinions about it.”

Bialik, 48, announced Dec. 15 on her Instagram account that she was let go from the syndicated version of “Jeopardy!” She had been co-hosting the show with Jennings since 2021 following the 2020 death of longtime host Alex Trebek.

“Sony has informed me that I will no longer be hosting the syndicated version of Jeopardy!” she wrote, alluding to the show’s producer. “I am incredibly honored to have been nominated for a primetime Emmy for hosting this year and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of the ‘Jeopardy!’ family.”

Bialik bowed out of hosting the final week of Season 39 last May during the writers strike; Jennings has been hosting the 40th season of “Jeopardy!” solo since then.

The pair were officially named the permanent co-hosts in July 2022 after “Jeopardy!” used a rotating roster of hosts before making a decision.

Bialik’s hosting duties met with a mixed reception from the show’s diehard fans.

Bialik also hosted a primetime version of “Jeopardy!” and Sony left the door slightly ajar for her to return in that capacity.

“Mayim Bialik has announced she will no longer be hosting the syndicated version of ‘Jeopardy!’” a Sony spokeswoman said. “We made the decision to have one host for the syndicated show next season to maintain continuity for our viewers, and Ken Jennings will be the sole host for syndicated ‘Jeopardy!’”

“We are truly grateful for all of Mayim’s contributions to ‘Jeopardy!’ and we hope to continue to work with her on primetime specials.”