E! is reportedly looking to replace Joan Rivers on Fashion Police, and the network has one particular person in mind.
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While Kathy Griffin was rumored to be a top pick to replace Rivers after her death, E! is now looking at NeNe Leakes to fill the position, Life & Style reported.
Fashion Police's current co-hosts Melissa Rivers, Kelly Osbourne and Giuliana Rancic are reportedly not pleased about The Real Housewives of Atlanta star potentially joining their cast.
"The remaining hosts of Fashion Police weren't thrilled about Kathy Griffin, but they're certainly not on board with the possibility of NeNe Leakes taking over," a source told Life & Style. "The news that NeNe is in talks to replace Joan has everyone up in arms EXCEPT the E! executives!"
Leakes is known for being very outspoken, blunt and confident. Her personality does slightly resemble that of Rivers'. In addition to starring on The Real Housewives series, Leakes also competed on The Celebrity Apprentice's fourth edition and the eighteenth season of Dancing with the Stars.
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"[Joan's daughter] Melissa thinks it's a huge mistake and Kelly and Giuliana think it's an outrage... They're afraid that it will become the NeNe Show," added the source. "Melissa just doesn't think NeNe should be in the running and definitely doesn't think she even comes close to filling her mother's shoes."
However, Fashion Police executives "love" the idea of having Leakes on the show, according to the source, because "fans really respond well to her."
Bravo talk show host Andy Cohen, who also serves as an executive producer of The Real Housewives franchise, has reportedly expressed his support over the gig, which is further influencing E! on the decision.
"God is opening up so many doors in my life right now and I just wanna praise him! I am truly grateful," Leakes tweeted on Sunday.
Fashion Police has been airing since September 2010. Its leading lady, Rivers, passed away at the age of 81 on September 4 after going into cardiac arrest during a throat procedure.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski