Sherri Shepherd & Jenny McCarthy Leave ‘The View’ + Is Laila Ali A Replacement?

complete! So grateful2 every1 4their love & support. Incredibly grateful to my second mom @BarbaraJWalters for pushing me beyond my comfort zone – it’s been amazing doing it scared! #joy Life should be lived. Run towards the things that scare you. Choose joy and trust God – everything else will work out as it should

In a statement, Sherri added:

It’s been seven wonderful years on ‘The View’ and after careful consideration it is time for me to move on. I am extremely grateful to Barbara Walters and (exec producer) Bill Geddie for giving me the opportunity. I look forward to the business opportunities that lay ahead for me and I am incredibly grateful to my ‘View’ family and my fans for supporting me on this journey.

Jenny shared her news on Twitter as well, writing:

If Sherri goes… I go too. #sisters My View will be changing too. As will with many hard working folks. Thanks to everyone at the show for your dedication and an amazing year.

Sherri posted the photo above, with the caption:

Mr @DonnieWahlberg always takes care of his ladies @jennyannmccarthy & me! To be continued… ;O)

According to Variety, both will finish out the show’s current season, which wraps the first week of August.

No word on what triggered Sherri’s departure. There are unconfirmed rumors that her contract would not be renewed. We’re also told that Jenny, who is close friends with Sherri, decided not to return because of Sherri’s exit. In either case, we wish them well!

According to TMZ, Laila Ali and Rosie O’Donnell may be filling slots. The site reports that Ross Mathews (who was a guest co-host last week and had his own E! show, Hello Ross) and Jesse Palmer (sports commentator) are also contenders.

Whoopi Goldberg will stay on the show. P.S. Can The View bounce back after two departures? And who would be appropriate replacements? [Twitter, Variety]

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