Kathy Griffin Named Host of E!'s Fashion Police

E! announced today that funny-lady Kathy Griffin will be taking over for the late Joan Rivers as HBIC on E!'s Fashion Police. Griffin will be joining the show's two sitting fashionistas: Giuliana Rancic and Kelly Osbourn and a fellow freshman pundit: Brad Goreski of The Rachel Zoe Project and It's a Brad Brad World fame. Goreski will replace current panelist George Kotsiopoulos.

"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, E!'s executive vice president of programming and development, in a statement.

"Plus, the addition of trendsetting stylist Brad completes the panel as the show begins its next chapter, which will focus on covering the major award shows and fashion events throughout the year."

Fashion Police has been on hiatus since Rivers' death on the September 4 and will return January 12, 2015 with coverage of the Golden Globes.

"Kathy just feels right, and Brad brings a fun, new voice to join Giuliana and Kelly in this ensemble," said Melissa Rivers, the show's Executive Producer. "I'm excited to see where this panel takes this series my mother so adored in this next incarnation."

Rumors have swirled ever since Rivers' passing that Griffin was slated to take over for her mentor. Last month Griffin announced that she was considering taking the part. "Ironically, she and I talked about it many times," Griffin told People. "She would joke that, no matter what, I should always get 10 percent less than she got."

For her part, Griffin has announced that she's going into the gig guns blazing. "I get it! These are some big shoes I'm going to fill. Joan was truly one of a kind," said Griffin. "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***ing 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!"