The popular cable news anchor, Megyn Kelly, who clashed with president-elect Donald Trump during his campaign, is going to leave Fox News after 12 years. She is going to join NBC.

The surprise appointment had been announced on Tuesday by NBC News Chairman Andy Lack, who has personally handled the negotiation to lure Kelly away from the top-rated cable news channel.

Kelly’s future had drawn heavy interest following management upheaval at Fox News last year. By poaching her from Fox News, NBC has added an ascending news star to its anchor lineup and keeps her away from competitors CNN and ABC, which expressed interest in signing her.

Lack said in a memo sent to staffers, “Megyn is an exceptional journalist and news anchor, who has had an extraordinary career. She’s demonstrated tremendous skill and poise, and we’re lucky to have her.”

Kelly, 46 years old , was getting a daytime show, which might be scheduled after the “Today” show, where she can take advantage as the program’s lead-in. Kelly has also been promised a prime-time news magazine which will air on Sundays during the months when the network does not carry “Sunday Night Football.” She is going to be a part of the network’s political and special event coverage.

The NBC has signed a blow to Fox News, the 21st Century Fox unit that has developed Kelly into one of its biggest prime-time stars with her nightly show “The Kelly File.”  But Fox has also a track record of developing new stars and has weathered talent changes before.

Kelly will complete her final show for Fox on Friday. Her spokesperson said that it was  still to be determined whether she can appear on NBC before her Fox contract expires in July.

By Prakriti Neogi