Netizens couldn’t hide their disappointment after Alden Richards’ absence during the announcement of TVJ’s departure to Television and Production Exponents Inc.

Some netizens questioned if Alden’s absence meant that he was not planning to leave Eat Bulaga together with the original hosts of the show.

However, he clarified that he was not aware of the decision made by his colleagues.

“Nagulat po ako ‘nay. Hindi ko po ine-expect yung mga pangyayari kahapon. Pero kahit ano pong mangyari, ang suporta ko po ay nasa Tito, Vic at Joey at Eat Bulaga…Maraming salamat po ‘nay, kagaya niyo po, mahalaga po sa akin ang loyalty at utang na loob. Hindi po magbabago yun,” Alden said

Fans believed that there was a possibility that Alden would stay as a host in Eat Bulaga after reports indicated that artists from GMA Sparkle were tasked to replace the talents who resigned from TAPE.

It was also confirmed that TAPE would continue airing Eat Bulaga despite the absence of the original hosts.

“Abangan niyo ang mga bagong magpapasaya at magpapatibok ng ating mga puso. Aasahan ninyo ang mas masaya, mas nakakaaliw at HIGIT PA SA ISANG LIBO’T ISANG TUWA na Eat Bulaga. patuloy ang Dabarkads na maglilingkot para sa inyo,” the statement from TAPE reads.

“Ang pag-alis ng mga hosts ay hindi dahilan para tumigil ang pag-ikot ng mundo,” 

Alden, as of writing has yet to respond to the question from the press if he would decide to stay in Jalosjos-owned Eat Bulaga.

Fans also warned the actor that it would negatively affect his image if he decided to stay with the show.