FOX 8 anchor Wayne Dawson has returned after disappearing from his daily spot in front of the cameras — and starting to worry long-time fans.
The popular host has been a fixture on the local Cleveland, Ohio TV station Fox 8 News for over 40 years.
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Fox 8 morning show anchor Wayne Dawson went on an extended vacation to Florida earlier this year, without letting fans know when he would returnCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
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On Tuesday morning, Dawson shared that he had returned to his seat in front of the cameras and was happy to be back with his ‘work family’Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk
He is a co-anchor of the city’s prime morning show — Fox 8 News in the Morning — that runs from 4 am to 10 am every weekday.
The popular host, known for his tasteful attire and cheery demeanor, took an extended break from his post earlier this year, according to the Akron Beacon Journal.
Fans did not expect Dawson’s absence and were unsure of when he would return.
But Dawson calmed any fan fears with a few upbeat social media posts he shared on Tuesday morning.
“Good to be back, missed my work family,” Dawson posted on his Facebook page.
A few days earlier, he had shared another Facebook post with a picture of himself and his wife lounging outside by the water.
“Just chilling in Celebration, Fla,” the post was captioned.
He shared other moments during his vacation in Florida with his social media fans too.
“My Happy Place @Celebration, Fla,” another post read.
“Picture perfect, compliments of Orlando’s skies,” a third post read.
Dawson co-anchors the morning show with Kristi Capel and Stefani Schaefer each morning during the week.
He has received 11 Emmy Awards for his reporting on Fox 8 along with several other accolades.
The 68-year-old is also the pastor of Grace Tabernacle Baptist Church in Lyndhurst, according to Cleveland.com.
When he is not anchoring Cleveland’s top morning show, he can be seen preaching from the pulpit most Sundays.
Dawson recently shared his life story along with how his religious beliefs inspired him in a memoir with co-author Deante Young, entitled The Seeds of Greatness Are Within You.
Recounting growing up on the East Side and falling in with the wrong crowds more than once, Dawson said he hoped that his book could help others see the potential they have for greatness — no matter what obstacles they faced growing up.