ABC Sets Rosie Perez’s ‘View’ Return Date

Despite reports that Rosie Perez is on her way out at “The View,” the relatively new addition to ABC’s daytime talker will return to the show next month.

Perez, who has been on hiatus from “The View” in January to rehearse for the upcoming Broadway production of the Larry David play “Fish in the Dark,” will re-join her “View” cohorts Tuesday, Feb. 3, ABC said Thursday.

“We look forward to welcoming the multi-talented Rosie Perez back to her seat as co-host on the panel on Feb. 3 after completing rehearsals for her upcoming Broadway play,” ABC said in a statement. “She brings her rich life experience and passion to the table — something we’ve sorely missed while she’s been away.”

In her absence, TheWrap reported that ABC was considering booting Perez — who joined “The View” in September — from the show. An insider told TheWrap earlier this month that ABC has concluded that the panel skews too old, and is viewing possible replacements for Perez, with “Glee” alum Naya Rivera and “Orange Is the New Black” star Laverne Cox in the mix.

ABC has denied reports of Perez’s departure.

“Rosie Perez is currently in rehearsal for her Broadway play for the month of January,” the network said in a statement. “Her status with the show has not changed.”

Perez’s “View” cohort Rosie O’Donnell heatedly denied that Perez is departing during an episode last week.

“And no matter what you read anywhere, Rosie Perez is also coming back after she is done rehearsing her play [Larry David’s Broadway show] … regardless of what you hear in other shows or read in magazines as I did last night at 11:40 and went what the…” O’Donnell said, as the camera cut away and bleeped what was presumably a curse word.

“Fish in the Dark” previews begin Monday, Feb. 2, with a Thursday, March 5 opening date.