Is Alden Richards joining the new `Eat Bulaga’ cast?

Just about everybody has made sympathy social media posts over the earth-shaking upheaval in the legendary noontime show "Eat Bulaga."

Yet it was the minimal post of Alden Richards which took the most notice. It was a picture of him, taken by fellow Dabarkads Ryan Agoncillo, taking a knee with the glowing EB signage in the background.

"Always and forever," he captioned.

What made it remarkable was the report that EB producers, Television and Productions Exponents or TAPE, are tapping GMA Network's talent stable collectively known as Sparkle Talents.

Richards is one of the biggest talents of Sparkle.

Remember Richards' career climbed to new heights following his stint in EB as the other half of the famous "Aldub" in the segment "Kalye Serye" along with Maine Mendoza.

He has been a regular in the show until the past three years when he went busy with movies. But early this year, he mounted a comeback in the show as a guest host.

Now showbiz expert Cristy Fermin said she received a text from Richards regarding what transpired last Wednesday when Tito, Vic and Joey formally parted ways with TAPE in a YouTube announcement.

"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," read the supposed text message.

That would pose conflict if and when Sparkle asks him to become a host replacing the "Dabarkads" who resigned en masse.

Allan K, Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola, Paolo Ballesteros, Ryzza Mae Dizon, Agoncillo, and Mendoza all signed a resignation paper that went viral in the aftermath of the TVJ announcement.

Reports said even the production staff and crew signified intention to leave and join the original hosts wherever channel they land.

Meantime, TAPE made an announcement that essentially says it will be keeping the brand "Eat Bulaga."

"TAPE is saddened by the turn of events yesterday, May 31, but we respect the decision of the hosts to leave Eat Bulaga and GMA 7 Network, which has been their home for 28 years. It is unfortunate, but life must go on. As with life, we have to accept changes, but we have a duty to every Filipino."

It added: "The success of Eat Bulaga is not dependent only on three people but on the collaborative efforts of its talents, crew, and loyal viewers."