After nearly seven years on The View, co-host Sherri Shepherd has decided to leave the show.

A spokeswoman for the ABC daytime series host confirmed the news to TheWrap on Thursday following a statement that was released in regard to her departure.

"It's been seven wonderful years on The View and after careful consideration it is time for me to move on," Shepherd said in the statement. "I am extremely grateful to Barbara Walters and Bill Geddie for giving me the opportunity. I look forward to the business opportunities that lay ahead for me and I am incredibly grateful to my View family and my fans for supporting me on this journey."

In the meantime, a source told E! News that producers have been discreetly searching for replacements not only for Shepherd but also for Jenny McCarthy who joined the cast just last September as a replacement for Elisabeth Hasselbeck.

Shepherd began co-hosting for the daytime series in 2006 and was offered a permanent host position the following year. The show’s co-creator, Barbara Walters retired from the show on May 16, but will be returning as a guest for the very first time tomorrow.

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