Barbara Walters says she has "no plans" for Elisabeth Hasselbeck to leave The View after 10 years on the panel.
Walters announced the news on Monday's edition of the ABC daytime show, commenting into the camera: "There is a particularly false story that keeps getting picked up about Elisabeth's alleged departure, saying that we don't approve of her conservative views. The truth is we love Elisabeth. I like her personally and she's just a wonderful person. But beyond that, we value and appreciate her point of view because Elisabeth helps give the show perspective and balance. ... So we have no plans for Elisabeth to leave the show."
STORY: Joy Behar Departing 'The View'
She added: "Having said that to all of you, [producer] Bill [Geddie] and I have always said that when one of you makes the choice to leave," it's that person's choice.
As previously reported, original panelist Joy Behar will leave this summer at the end of her contract. The View heads into its 17th season this fall.
Joining The View in 2003 after a stint on Survivor, Hasselbeck has been one of its most polarizing personalities. The panel's only open conservative, she has butted heads with many on-air -- most notably Rosie O'Donnell during her two-year tenure as moderator.
Twitter: @ErinLCarlson
Email: erin.carlson@thr.com
