Amid major co-host changes, “The View” will reportedly be welcoming back Sherri Shepherd. The 48-year-old comedienne will be joining the panel in an attempt to boost the long-running daytime talk-show’s struggling ratings, only this time, she will be a part-time co-host.
The network began to consider bringing the 48-year-old comedienne back when she guest hosted on May 28, which was her first time back on the show since she officially left in August 2014 due to unmet contract demands, reported the Daily Mail. Her fun energy was a hit with audiences, and ABC executives have been trying to get her to come back ever since.
“Though the show was taped in advance and Whoopi Goldberg was out dealing with the death of her brother, everyone was blown away by how Sherri brought the energy of a live broadcast to the taped show. She had been so missed by the producers that many of them cried when she walked in the building,” an ABC source told Daily Mail.
Shepherd, who had first began co-hosting the show in 2007 and stayed for seven seasons, is expected to be a part of the panel at least two days a week.
Shepherd’s return is just one of many surprising new editions and exits that “The View” will experience. Last week, Rosie Perez revealed that she will be leaving her position as co-host at the end of this season. There has been a lot of buzz that the Republican voice of the show, Nicolle Wallace, will be leaving as well, but the network is still considering whether she’s a keeper.
“Nicolle is a hit with viewers. She’s gone from being the least-known of the new co-hosts, to a favorite of the audience members and even the celebrity guests who appear on the show. Arsenio Hall has tweeted her praise and Joy (Behar) always says ‘now you’re a Republican I really like;’ but ABC is considering someone less compassionate in their presentation like Candace (Cameron Bure),” a source said.
Two more additions to the rotating crew will include former “Full House” actress Candance Cameron Bure, model Molly Sims, and former “What Not to Wear” host Stacy London. According to ABC execs, comedienne Michelle Collins will also join to co-host full time next season.
ABC also tried to negotiate terms to convince original co-host Joy Behar to return, but she refused because she “doesn’t like how Whoopi is a mean dictator behind the scenes,” the network source said.
The current hosts who are expected to return next season are Goldberg and the newest addition to “The View,” Raven-Symoné.
