Truth rating: 10
7:09 pm, July 9th, 2013
(Getty Images)
Elisabeth Hasselbeck is officially leaving “The View.”
The co-host’s long-speculated departure was formally announced on Tuesday evening, when it was revealed she will be moving on to the FOX News Channel morning show “Fox & Friends.”
“I have been a long-time fan of ‘Fox & Friends’ and am excited to be joining their team in September,” Hasselbeck said in a statement.
Said FOX News Chairman & CEO Roger Ailes, “Elisabeth’s warm and engaging personality made her a star on ‘The View.’ She has proven to be an excellent conversationalist and I am certain she will make a great addition to our already successful morning franchise.”
It was first reported in March that Hasselbeck could be leaving “The View,” prompting creator Barbara Walters to deny that the conservative TV personality was being forced out.
Walters now says in a statement, “We have had ten wonderful years with Elisabeth and she will now be swimming in new waters. We will miss her and wish her everything good.”
Her exit means Walters will have two slots to fill on her daytime talk show’s panel, with Joy Behar leaving the series in August.
And then Walters herself is set to retire next May.
Hasselbeck joined “The View” in 2003, two years after becoming a finalist on “Survivor.”
On “Fox & Friends,” she will serve as co-hosts alongside regulars Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade, with Gretchen Carlson moving on to her own show.
Hasselbeck’s new gig was first reported by the New York Post.
What do you think of Hasselbeck leaving “The View”?
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