MICHELLE COLLINS NAMED CO-HOST OF ABC’S “THE VIEW”

Comedian/writer Michelle Collins was officially named the 15^th co-host in the history of “The View” live this morning amidst falling confetti and making her grand entrance to the beat of “Empire State of Mind.” The show welcomed Collins who’ll officially start in September when “The View” returns for Season 19. Collins will make regular appearances until the show breaks for hiatus in August.

“These past few months have been the most fun and exciting of my career, and I couldn’t be happier to join such an awesome, smart, accomplished and funny group of women,” said Collins. “Ever since the age of 4 (and the height of 5’ 6”) it’s been my dream to host a talk show, and the fact that I now get to do just that every day with an amazing, hard-working team of producers, writers, cast and crew is beyond my wildest expectations. Many thanks to the people at ABC for inviting me to be a part of this team, and specifically to the great Barbara Walters and Whoopi Goldberg, whose support has meant the world to me.”

“Michelle is a great addition to ‘The View,’” said executive producer Bill Wolff. “She is lightning quick, has strong opinions and is wickedly funny. Our entire staff is looking forward to her joining the show.”

“Michelle Collins brings a fantastic energy and a keen sense of humor to the program,” said creator and executive producer Barbara Walters. “Michelle can be both outrageous and thoughtful. She is a welcome addition to ‘The View’ panel with her intelligence, quick wit and vast knowledge of pop culture.”

On television, Collins has made her mark as the go-to pop culture comedian. Most recently, she was featured on VH1’s “Walk of Shame Shuttle.” She has also served as a host on the syndicated talk show, “The Gossip Queens,” as well as a daily correspondent on VH1′s “Big Morning Buzz Live.” Collins made frequent appearances on “Chelsea Lately,” “The Today Show,” “The Wendy Williams Show,” “The Tyra Banks Show,” “Kathy,” for which she was also a writer, and numerous VH1 countdown shows. In 2010, Logo TV awarded her the NewNowNext Award for Brink of Fame Comedian.

Collins spent six years as the Managing Editor of VH1’s “Best Week Ever,” a pop culture website that earned her two Webby Awards for Best Celebrity/Fan Blog. She also appeared on the television version of “Best Week Ever.” Collins is a regular pop culture contributor to Vanity Fair and Elle Magazine.

“The View” is a live, one-hour daily talk show from ABC. “The View,” broadcast in HDTV and produced in 2-channel stereo sound, is now available to watch online daily at 4:00 p.m., ET/1:00 p.m., PT on ABC.com. Bill Wolff is executive producer. “The View” is directed by Ashley S. Gorman. For breaking news and updated videos, follow “The View” (@theview) and Whoopi Goldberg (@whoopigoldberg), Rosie Perez (@rosieperezbklyn),  Nicolle Wallace (@nicolledwallace),Raven-Symoné (@ravensymone) and Michelle Collins (@michcoll) on Twitter.™