Former child star Raven Symone has been tapped as a regular host on "The View." The 29-year-old actress, who previously hosted the show as a guest, replaced Rosie O'Donnell who officially left "The View" in February, according to Deadline.
Whoopi Goldberg, one of the hosts on the talk show, confirmed that Symone will join them and said, "Raven Symone is now permanent." Following the "Sister Act" star's announcement, Symone walked on stage and was welcomed by resounding applause.
The actress couldn't contain her excitement over her newest venture, and after she sat beside her two other co-hosts Nicole Wallace and Rosie Perez, she said, "I am so happy to be here. I brought gifts for each of you." After handing her gifts to Goldberg, Wallace and Perez, Symone sat down and said, "Now let's have some fun."
Symone later on released an official statement and said, "The Disney Company has made another one of my dreams come true!"
Meanwhile, according to Design N Trend, O'Donnell exited "The View" the second time around due to her health issues. Shortly after leaving the show, O'Donnell separated from her wife Michelle Rounds.
Following her exit, O'Donnell's publicist Cindi Berger released an official statement to confirm that her client's exit really had something to do with her health and her family and not speculations about her ongoing feud with Goldberg.
"This has been a very stressful situation. She is putting her personal health and family first. ABC has been wonderfully understanding and supportive of her personal decision to leave 'The View.' Next week will be her last," Berger said.
ABC later on released their own statement and said, "Rosie is an immensely talented star who comes in each and every morning brimming with ideas, excitement and passion for the show... We're delighted she's still part of the ABC family with upcoming guest appearances on 'The Fosters.'"
