ELISABETH Hasselbeck is leaving “The View” and joining Fox News’ morning show “FOX and Friends” as a co-host, Page Six has exclusively confirmed.
After much speculation, conservative co-host Hasselbeck is following Barbara Walters and Joy Behar out of the ABC daytime talk show.
She will join Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade on the Fox couch in mid-September.
FOX News Chairman & CEO Roger Ailes announced, “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.”
Hasselbeck added, “I have been a long-time fan of “Fox & Friends” and am excited to be joining their team in September.”
Current “FOX & Friends” co-host Gretchen Carlson will now anchor a one-hour daytime program beginning in early fall.
Fox News last week announced that Megyn Kelly is moving to primetime after she returns from maternity leave. Kelly currently hosts “America Live” which airs from 1pm to 3pm.
The network also announced that it has signed long-term deals with Bill O’Reilly, Sean Hannity and Greta Van Susteren, who host from 8 until 11 pm, as well as with Bret Baier and Shep Smith, who host the 6pm and 7pm hours.
There has been much speculation about 36-year-old Hasselbeck’s next move after Sherri Shepherd hinted that the outspoken blonde could be leaving “The View”.
So many changes, I can’t believe it!” Sherri told Wendy Williams on June 17, ”The two black women are left; usually, they kill us off in the beginning.”
Recent reports have said that Jenny McCarthy or Brooke Shields may take over Hasselbeck’s role on “The View”.