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New 'Good Day' anchor Alex Holley speaks out

Also: “Drunk History” premieres its Philly episode.

"Good Day" Alex Holley, who will co-anchor the Fox 29 morning show with Mike Jerrick beginning Sept. 1.
"Good Day" Alex Holley, who will co-anchor the Fox 29 morning show with Mike Jerrick beginning Sept. 1.Read more

ALEX HOLLEY knows that she has big shoes to fill when she replaces the beloved Sheinelle Jones on Fox 29's "Good Day Philadelphia" (her first day on air is Sept. 1). How will she differ from her predecessor?

Holley offered up some thoughts from her new co-anchor, Mike Jerrick. "He says I have a little sass to me," Holley said.

And she's ready to use it.

Holley previously worked as a morning anchor in Myrtle Beach, S.C., but has only reported straight news. On "Good Day," she's allowed to let loose in a place where opinions are welcome. It's not a giant departure from her previous work, though. "I don't see it as changing up my style - I see it as being myself," the Texas native said.

Holley hadn't spent much time in Philadelphia before accepting the job, but she's busied herself since, dining at Rouge and Parc on Rittenhouse Square and catching a recent Brian McKnight/Angie Stone show at the Dell Music Center with Jerrick. In fact, the duo bonded over their love of live music. The young Holley even impressed Jerrick with her knowledge of Teddy Pendergrass lyrics. "I'll bring that youthful aspect, but I know how they do," Holley said.

While they both love to groove, is that enough for her to gel with Jerrick? Her success will truly lie in how well she interacts with her co-anchor, who helped the show make national headlines while mocking the emptiness of celebs like Kim Kardashian and Olympic swimmer-turned-failed reality star Ryan Lochte. Holley's prediction: "I think we're both going to be trouble."

* Holley will get to know the area during her first week, when "Good Day" goes on the road to broadcast throughout the region. Here's their schedule: On Sept. 1, the team will hit the Wildwood boardwalk to ride the rides (Holley says she's excited to be near the Shore; she'd miss it too much after her stint in Myrtle Beach); Sept. 2, they won't travel far from their studios and will set up shop at Independence Mall; Sept. 3, Holley will get the Bucks County treatment in Quakertown; and Sept. 4, Holley and Jerrick will hit Rodney Square in Wilmington, Del. They'll wrap up the week on Sept. 5, at South Philly's Xfinity Live.

Philly gets 'Drunk'

In each episode of "Drunk History," inebriated commentators tell tales of American history while famous faces re-enact the scenarios in all their slurry glory. Host Derek Waters goes to different cities and asks bar patrons about their hometowns. In January, Waters traveled to Philly and filmed at McGillin's Old Ale House (1310 Drury St.) and Geno's Steaks (1219 S. 9th St.) for the Philly-themed episode. Tonight, we'll get to see our drunk butts on screen when the show airs at 10 p.m. on Comedy Central. The episode stars John Lithgow, Winona Ryder, Chris Parnell, Stephen Merchant and David Cross.

To celebrate, McGillin's is offering a host of specials, including $4 pours of Ales of the Revolution (General Washington Tavern Porter, Thomas Jefferson Tavern Ale, Poor Richard's Tavern Spruce). Geno's will hold a viewing party at the South Philly Bar and Grill (1235 E. Passyunk Ave.) from 9 to 11 p.m. Cheesesteaks and beers will be on special.

OUT AND ABOUT

* "Real Housewives of New Jersey" star Melissa Gorga and her husband, Joe, vacayed at the Golden Nugget Atlantic City (Huron Avenue and Brigantine Boulevard) this weekend. Melissa threw Joe a 40th birthday party in the back room of Vic & Anthony's Steakhouse with seven other couples before they partied at Haven nightclub, where they danced on the outdoor terrace and gambled. On Saturday, I hear, they stopped by the Golden Nugget's Cal-Ital Winefest and enjoyed prosecco.

* Caffe Aldo Lamberti (2011 Marlton Pike West, Cherry Hill) was quite the scary sight this weekend as stars from the nearby Monster-Mania Con 28, held at the Cherry Hill Crowne Plaza, flocked to the Italian spot. Diners saw the likes of Keith David ("Platoon"), Torrey DeVitto ("The Vampire Diaries"), Mads Mikkelsen ("Hannibal") , Julian Sands ("The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo") and Lawrence Gilliard Jr., Denise Crosby and Alanna Masterson ("The Walking Dead").

On Twitter: @PhillyGossipDN

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