Gayle King reacts to John Dickerson replacing Charlie Rose as co-host of 'CBS This Morning' (Exclusive)

CBS News announced on Tuesday that John Dickerson has been named co-host of CBS This Morning, replacing Charlie Rose, who was fired in Novemberamid multiple sexual harassment allegations.

The 49-year-old journalist begins his new position on Wednesday, joining his fellow hosts, Gayle King and Norah O'Donnell.

ET spoke to King on Tuesday, who was thrilled at the choice.

"I think it's so great it's our sixth anniversary and we're starting a new chapter and new beginning. I think it's a time to celebrate," she said. "John Dickerson .... has a very big following and he's super smart, so he comes with the political gravitas and he's a best-selling author. Last time I checked, he was on People magazine for the most beautiful people list. I don't know if that qualifies you to anchor the news, but it doesn't hurt to have someone good to look at. He is very excited about joining Norah and I, and we are excited to welcome him to the table."

"The format has always been designed for three people," she also noted of the popular morning show. "I actually like the three-people format. I think Norah and I are a great team and I think we have proven that, but I also like the addition of a male to the table. I personally like that, but it was always designed to have three people, and after six years, it's working so well. I didn't think anybody thought the need to change that."

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Dickerson has been working with CBS News since April 2009 as an analyst and contributor. He served as the network’s political director for six years and was named moderator of Face the Nation in 2015. The seasoned newsman is also the author of two books and a contributor for The Atlantic, and has multiple podcasts, including Whistlestop -- which chronicles great moments in the nation’s history -- and Slate Political Gabfest, a political podcast.

Dickerson will be leaving his position at Face of the Nation to co-host CBS This Morning, and his successor has yet to be announced.

“On the campaign trail, I’ve collected compliments about CBS This Morning's commitment to the news for years now,” Dickerson said in a statement on Tuesday. “Every time I’ve been on the show, I haven’t wanted the conversation with Norah and Gayle to end when my segment does. Now it doesn’t have to.”

“John’s impressive track record and strong all-around journalism extends our commitment to real news coverage every morning at CBS News,” David Rhodes, President of CBS News, also said in a statement. “Gayle and Norah continue to show tremendous leadership on our morning broadcast each day. Colleagues, newsmakers and peers all appreciate the depth and context John Dickerson brings to every discussion of the day’s events – together with his co-hosts, he will project our best values on every broadcast.”

Rose, 76, was accused of sexual harassment by eight women -- including groping, lewd phone calls and nudity -- in a Washington Post report published in November. The accusers all said they were former employees or aspiring employees of Rose, and that the alleged incidents occurred in the late 1990s to as recently as 2010.

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Rose apologized in a statement, though also said he didn't believe that all of the allegations were accurate.

“It is essential that these women know I hear them and that I deeply apologize for my inappropriate behavior," he said. "I am greatly embarrassed. I have behaved insensitively at times, and I accept responsibility for that, though I do not believe that all of these allegations are accurate. I always felt that I was pursuing shared feelings, even though I now realize I was mistaken."

“I have learned a great deal as a result of these events, and I hope others will too," he continued. "All of us, including me, are coming to a newer and deeper recognition of the pain caused by conduct in the past, and have come to a profound new respect for women and their lives."

King and O'Donnell reacted to the news on-air, clearly shaken by the accusations against their longtime co-worker.