Michelle Collins was officially introduced as a new permanent co-host for The View starting next season. She replaces Rosie Perez and probably was supposed to be introduced last week.
Collins is a comedian and writer and won two Webby Awards for her work on VH1’s Best Week Ever blog and also appeared on the network’s TV version. She also writes on pop culture for Vanity Fair and Elle Magazine.
“These past few months have been the most fun and exciting of my career, and I couldn't be happier to join such an awesome, smart, accomplished and funny group of women,” Collins said in a statement.
“Ever since the age of 4 (and the height of 5’ 6”) it's been my dream to host a talk show, and the fact that I now get to do just that every day with an amazing, hard-working team of producers, writers, cast and crew is beyond my wildest expectations. Many thanks to the people at ABC for inviting me to be a part of this team, and specifically to the great Barbara Walters and Whoopi Goldberg, whose support has meant the world to me,” Collins continued.
Barbara Walters, who created the show, said that Collins will bring a “fantastic energy and a keen sense of humor to the program.”
Collins was a guest co-host on the daytime talker last week when Perez announced that she was leaving the show at the end of the season. Perez told Collins, “Welcome,” hinting that the network might have intended to have time to introduce Collins as the next co-host, but there wasn’t enough time in the broadcast.
The show’s current season will end this month and Season 19 will start in September on ABC. Whoopi Goldberg, Nicolle Wallace and Raven-Symone will be returning. However, it is rumored that Wallace, a political pundit, might be the next to go.
screenshot from The View YouTube Page