Rosie 'In Heavy Talks' To Return To 'The View' — Radar Confirms O'Donnell Is Eyeing A Chair

One week after news broke that both Sherri Shepherd and Jenny McCarthy will not be returning to The View, RadarOnline.com has confirmed former co-host Rosie O'Donnell is deep in talks to get a spot back on the daytime talk show.

According to an industry source in New York City, bringing O'Donnell back to The View is something both the network and the comedienne are mutually exploring together.

"Rosie is in heavy talks right now to return to The View," the source told Radar.

"In fact, Rosie was in talks to return before it was even confirmed that Jenny and Sherri were leaving."

It was a big year of change for ABC's The View, with long-time host Barbara Walters leaving as well, leaving Whoopi Goldberg as the only remaining co-host.

"Ratings weren't great this season, so ABC really needs to find hosts who are going to amp up the views for Season 18," the source said.

"And that's Rosie. Before leaving The View in 2007 she'd helped raise viewership on the show a lot, in just one season. The network is hopeful she could do the same again."

O'Donnell returned to the talk show in Feb. as a guest host, but network executives are hoping it will become something more permanent.

"It appeals to Rosie. She's comfortable on TV and in all her glory when she gets to express her personal views on current events and talking points," the source added.

"Any controversy that surrounds Rosie is good for ratings. So it's a win-win."

ABC execs have publicly remained mum with no confirmations of who will make up the new panel for Season 18.