Kathy Griffin is joining the force at “Fashion Police.”
Griffin has signed on as the new host on the E! show, the network said Monday.
Celebrity stylist and television personality Brad Goreski of “It’s a Brad Brad World” is also coming aboard the series as a panelist, which will return to the air Jan. 12, 2015.
Griffin and Goreski will join Kelly Osbourne and Giuliana Rancic on the show following the death of Joan Rivers earlier this year.
“I get it! These are some big shoes I’m going to fill. Joan was truly one of a kind. Now I hope you will accept me for me,” said the host. “I’m just Kathy. Did I say I’m just Kathy? I meant I’m Kathy F***ing Griffin and you celebrities better strap yourself in, as I am taking no prisoners. I am not holding back so DAMMIT let’s have some fun!”
Melissa Rivers, Joan Rivers’ daughter and “Fashion Police” executive producer, added that Griffin, who was mentored by her mother, “just feels right” for the role.
“Kathy just feels right, and Brad brings a fun, new voice to join Giuliana and Kelly in this ensemble,” Rivers said. “I’m excited to see where this panel takes this series my mother so adored in this next incarnation.”
E!’s executive vice president, programming and development Jeff Olde added that Griffin will “no doubt continue” Griffin’s legacy while bringing her own flair to the job.
“Not only was Joan a trailblazer, she was also a dear friend and mentor to Kathy, who will no doubt continue her legacy and do the series justice by bringing her own unique comedic style and tell-it-like-it-is personality to the host chair,” Olde said. “Plus, the addition of trendsetting stylist Brad completes the panel as the show begins its next chapter, which will focus on covering the major award shows and fashion events throughout the year.”
Griffin, a veteran of the Bravo reality series “My Life on the D-List” and a co-host of CNN’s annual New Year’s Eve coverage, revealed last month that she had been approached by E! for the job, but added, “I don’t know if the situation is correct at this time for me or right for me at this time.”
Further doubt was cast on Griffin’s addition to the series when an individual familiar with the situation told TheWrap in November that Griffin had tested poorly as a potential replacement for Rivers.
“They did some focus group testing on Kathy Griffin,” the insider said. “The problem viewers mentioned is she’d always be compared to Joan, but never actually as good as her.”
Other potential replacements for Rivers included “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star NeNe Leakes and “America’s Next Top Model” host Tyra Banks.