On a crisp Wednesday morning, February 28, fans of Good Morning America were in for a bit of a surprise. Regular viewers tuning in expecting to see the ever-energetic Ginger Zee deliver the weather forecast were met with a familiar but unexpected face—Sam Champion.
Sam Champion Takes the Reins
Sam Champion, the beloved weatherman who has been a cornerstone of GMA for years, stepped into Ginger's role, delivering the weather forecast with his usual charm. At 62 years old, Sam is still going strong and remains a favorite among longtime viewers. Fans have grown accustomed to seeing him fill in for Ginger from time to time, and this instance was no different. His presence brought a sense of nostalgia and comfort to the audience.
Ginger's Absence Explained
Ginger’s absence was acknowledged on social media by none other than her co-star, Robin Roberts. In a post on X, Robin, 63, shared, “Busy Wednesday morning here on @GMA … @SamChampion is in for @Ginger_Zee starting us off with the latest on the dangerous conditions across the country, including the raging wildfires in Texas and the tornadoes in the Midwest.”
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Meanwhile, Ginger herself took to X to share her own update with fans. “Heading out for a big assignment I’ve been waiting and working to cover for a long time!” she wrote. “Can’t wait to share with you all on @ABCNewsLive & @GMA soon … thanks for holding down the fort @Wx_Max @SamWnek @SamChampion.” Her words hinted at an exciting opportunity she was eager to dive into, leaving fans both curious and supportive.
Fans Show Support
Viewers quickly rallied around Ginger, flooding the comment section with words of encouragement. “Hopefully we will see you soon again on GMA,” one fan replied, while another chimed in, “Looking forward to seeing whatever it is! Safe travels!” It’s clear that Ginger has built a loyal following, and her absence was met with understanding and excitement for her upcoming project.
Sam Champion's Journey Back to GMA
Sam’s return to the GMA weather desk isn’t new territory. Back in 2013, he left the show to pursue a new chapter at The Weather Channel. However, his hiatus from ABC didn’t last long. By 2016, he was welcomed back to GMA with open arms, stepping in whenever needed. Additionally, Sam regularly contributes as a forecaster on Eyewitness News, keeping his hand in the world of weather reporting.
Speaking about his current workload, Sam shared in a February 2023 Instagram post, “I work four days a week now. But that’s because I came out of retirement.” His enthusiasm for his work is palpable, and his dedication to staying active in the field is evident.
Sam has stepped in for Ginger numerous times since his return to ABC. For instance, in May 2023, Ginger was out sick for a few days, and Sam filled in seamlessly. At the time, Ginger, who shares two children, Adrian and Miles, with her husband Ben Aaron, wrote on X, “I have great care but rolling fevers have taken me out—thanks to @SamChampion for filling in today. Hoping I’ll see you all back on @GMA soon.”
