Abby Ham returning to WBIR

A familiar face will soon be returning to WBIR-TV.

Former 10News Today anchor Abby Ham will again take on the morning anchor duties at 10News beginning in late June, WBIR General Manager Jeff Lee announced Wednesday.

Ham will be paired with current morning co-anchor Russell Biven and meteorologist Mike Witcher.

Ham is returning to East Tennessee after spending more than a year at Gannett-owned WKYC-TV in Cleveland, Ohio.

When she left to pursue the anchoring opportunity in Cleveland in October 2007, Ham said of Knoxville: "I have lived in seven different states, but a town has never felt so much like home.

Ham made quite an impression among Channel 10 viewers during her first stint in East Tennessee. Lee said being able to welcome Ham back home "is a win."

The move is also creating a new opportunity for current morning co-anchor Michele Silva.

Silva will join Channel 10's sales team, which is a move she has expressed an interest in for a long time. You'll see her out in the community and occasionally on air.

"Every now and then, the planets align just right," said News Director Bill Shory. "We're thrilled that both Michele and Abby will be in the roles they want, and we think our viewers will be winners, too."

Silva will remain on the morning show until Ham's arrival in late June.