Kathy Griffin Confirmed as New Host of 'Fashion Police'
"These are some big shoes ... to fill. Joan was truly one of a kind," she said.
— -- Kathy Griffin was confirmed today as the new host of "Fashion Police," taking over the show on the E! network for her friend, Joan Rivers, who died in September.
Joining Griffin will be Kelly Osbourne and Giuliana Rancic, and newcomer Brad Goreski, star of "It's a Brad Brad World."
"These are some big shoes I'm going to fill. Joan was truly one of a kind," Griffin said in a news release. "Now I hope you will accept me for me. I'm just Kathy. Did I say I'm just Kathy? I meant I'm Kathy F****** 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!"
Rivers, who died on Sept. 4 at the age of 81, made "Fashion Police" a household name by picking on and having fun with celebrities on the red carpet, especially during huge events such as the Oscars and Emmy Awards.
“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,” said Jeff Olde, executive vice president at E!
Rivers' daughter, Melissa, who is also a producer on the show, said, "I’m excited to see where this panel takes this series my mother so adored in this next incarnation.”
Griffin, 54, confirmed earlier this month that she was offered the job and was debating whether it was right for her.
"They did offer it to me," Griffin told "Access Hollywood." "I don't know if the situation is ... right for me at this time."
After Rivers' death, there were questions about whether the show would go on without Joan. Then, on Sept. 19, E! gave fans the news they were waiting for.
"We have also thought long and hard about what Joan would have wanted as it pertains to the future of Fashion Police. We decided, with Melissa Rivers' blessing, that Joan would have wanted the franchise to continue. Fashion Police will return in 2015, commencing with Golden Globes coverage on Monday, Jan. 12," a statement said.