Kathy Griffin : Actress to be Joan Rivers’ Successor on ‘Fashion Police’

“Fashion Police” news has reported that Kathy Griffin will officially be part of the show following the death of Joan Rivers. According to a report from TMZ, the redhead comedienne will be joined by another new host – Joan Rivers’ 46-year- old daughter, Melissa Rivers.

Earlier this month, Griffin had admitted to Access Hollywood she had been offered Rivers’ spot, but she wasn’t sure if it was the right timing: “I don’t know if the situation is correct at this time for me or right for me at this time.”

However, Griffin did hope that the show would find a way to continue “in the spirit of Joan’s work,” adding that “she brought a fearlessness and a brand of humor into our homes that we really need.”

Something must have changed for Griffin in the past few weeks. TMZ has learned that she would accept the position and that it was essentially a “done deal.” She will join a panel that includes Melissa Rivers, Kelly Osbourne, and Giuliana Rancic; it is still unknown if George Kotsiopoulos will return to the cast.

Moving forward, E! will now only air Fashion Police during awards shows and other appropriate occasions. It will no longer be seen on a weekly basis. The reason for this cutback is still unclear.

US Weekly reports that an insider told them that “Joan has always given her blessing to Kathy” and she in fact “wanted Kathy to be her successor.”

According to the insider, “They talked about it many times. They have such a similar sense of humor and were the best of friends. Joan would have loved seeing Kathy on Fashion Police and she would have definitely approved.”

Agencies/Canadajournal