The View Brings Whoopi On Board

Wednesday, Barbara Walters announced that comedian Whoopi Goldberg will be joining the girls of "The View," reports ABC News. Walters, creator and executive producer for the ABC chat show, revealed that the Oscar-winner will be stepping in after Labor Day. Goldberg is set to fill the position of moderator, which was vacated by Rosie O'Donnell in May after a heated exchange with co-host Elisabeth Hasselback. Whoopi has sat in as a co-host in the months following O'Donnell's departure, and was present to comment upon Walters' announcement. The 51-year-old comedian called the move a "big old thrill." Walters, meanwhile, heaped praise upon her new colleague. "She is brilliant, funny, and irrepressible, and is an enormously popular and talented star." She added that she hoped the addition would be the start of a "great new chapter for 'The View.'"

One more vacant spot remains to be filled on the panel. Front-runners include comedian Sherri Shepherd, who often guest-hosts, and comedians Kathy Griffin and Joan Rivers.