The View brings Michelle Collins in as new co-host

ABC’s The View has announced the addition of a new host, after the announcement last week that Rosie Perez was leaving the show to return to acting. Comedian/writer Michelle Collins was given the job. The change was announced on Monday morning’s showing, and Collins is expected to make regular appearances until the end of the season in August. Season 19 starts in September, with Collins officially as a co-host.

“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,” said Collins. “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.”

“Michelle is a great addition to ‘The View,'” said executive producer Bill Wolff. “She is lightning quick, has strong opinions and is wickedly funny. Our entire staff is looking forward to her joining the show.”

“Michelle Collins brings a fantastic energy and a keen sense of humor to the program,” said creator and executive producer Barbara Walters. “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.”

Collins is no stranger to the camera, working in the past on VH1’s “Walk of Shame Shuttle,” “The Gossip Queens,” VH1’s “Big Morning Buzz Live,” “Chelsea Lately,” “The Today Show,” “The Wendy Williams Show,” and “The Tyra Banks Show.” She also spent sic years as the managing editor for VH1’s “Best Week Ever.”

Tune into The View, weekdays at 11:00 AM on 47 ABC.