Lucky No. 15? Since its premiere back in 1997, The View has had a revolving door of co-hosts, including — but not limited to — Rosie O'Donnell, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, Barbara Walters, Joy Behar, Star Jones, Jenny McCarthy, and now Michelle Collins, who was announced as the newest member of the panel on Monday, July 13.
The comedienne, 33, has been a guest host on the ABC talk show for several weeks, but will have a more permanent place at the table beginning in September, when The View kicks off its 19th season.
"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 press release about the news, which follows Raven-Symone's promotion from guest host to co-host last month.
"Ever since the age of 4…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," she added. "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."
After the announcement, she added a message of gratitude to her other co-hosts, including Nicolle Wallace and Rosie Perez, who's leaving the show next month.
"I am so excited and I feel so lucky that I get to come here and spend this time with you,” Collins said on Monday's episode. "Everybody has been so welcoming and wonderful and kind to me, specifically you guys."
Collins is the 15th co-host in The View's history, following dramatic exits by former hosts like O'Donnell, McCarthy, and Sherri Shepherd. Goldberg — who joined in Season 11 — is now the veteran on the show, though Walters is still involved in an executive producer capacity.
"Michelle Collins brings a fantastic energy and a keen sense of humor to the program," Walters said in ABC's press release. "Michelle can be both outrageous and thoughtful. She is a welcome addition to The View panel with her intelligence, quick wit and vast knowledge of pop culture."
