MANILA -- Singer and host Darren is over the moon as his addition to the "It's Showtime" family was officially announced together with ABS-CBN and GMA-7's deal.

"Sobra 'yung hard launch ko. Dito pa talaga sa GMA network so ayun, nakakakilabot. It's official, I'm part of the 'Showtime' family na talaga... so wala nang atrasan ito, totoo na siya," Darren said Wednesday (March 20, 2024) in an interview with ABS-CBN News.

When asked on how he was able to fit in with the "It's Showtime" family, Darren said that they never tried to impose on him how to do his work and that they just let him do his thing.

"Very welcoming naman po sila. Hindi po nila pinaparamdam sa akin na dapat kinakabahan ako dapat ganito 'yung pag-host. They just let me do my thing and even off-cam, parang pamilya lang din that's why it was easier for me to be able to connect with them and jive with them," Darren said.

On the challenges of having to shoot everyday for the noontime show, Darren said he currently cannot attend some episodes since his shooting for "Can't Buy Me Love" sometimes coincides with the noontime show.

"Minsan tina-try kong humabol sa [Tawag ng Tanghalan] segment na lang, but once 'Can't Buy Me Love' has finished, mas may time na rin po ako and be able to be present everyday sa Showtime," he said.

Top executives of the two networks sealed the partnership at a contract signing ceremony held at the GMA studios, attended by "It's Showtime" hosts.

Before the partnership, "It's Showtime" aired on GMA-owned GTV (Good Television) since July 2023.