Cecily Strong responds to 'SNL' Weekend Update replacement

LOS ANGELES (Variety.com) - "Saturday Night Live" star Cecily Strong has broken her silence about being replaced by co-star Michael Che on the NBC variety show's "Weekend Update" desk.

"I don't see this as me leaving update, just as me being on update in a looser, goofier way that is a lot more fun for me and in a way I think I'm better at," she wrote on Instagram.

"SNL" creator and exec producer Lorne Michaels announced on Thursday that former "Daily Show" correspondent Che would be co-anchoring "Update" with Colin Jost during the show's upcoming 40th season.

Jost, who is also the new head writer of the show, joined Strong behind the desk about halfway through last season. Strong was tapped to host "Update" after longtime anchor Seth Meyers left for "Late Night" in February.

"And now I get to do features with the very funny and wonderful Michael Che," Strong, who's best known for her character "The Girl You Wish You Hadn't Started a Conversation With at a Party," continued. "No point in being angry or sad for me for something I'm genuinely happy about!"

"SNL" premieres on September 27 with first-time host Chris Pratt and first-time musical guest Ariana Grande.