NeNe Leakes Joins 'Fashion Police' As ‘Special 2016 Co-Host’

E!’s Fashion Police has a new sheriff in town!

After controversial Real Housewives of Atlanta star NeNe Leakes, 48, announced earlier this week that she would be joining show as a ‘special 2016 co-host,’ RadarOnline.com has exclusively learned from a source close to the network that they shilled out some big bucks to book the buxom blonde!

“NeNe is being paid tens of thousands per episode for her new role on Fashion Police,” said the source.

The panel – which already consists of executive producer Melissa Rivers, 47, stylist to the stars Brad Goreski, 38, former E! news host Giuliana Rancic, 41 and funny lady newcomer Margaret Cho, 47 – will be returning to the air on Jan. 11, which is one day after the Golden Globe Awards.

“This is the first time ever that Fashion Police will have five panelists at the same time,” the insider told RadarOnline.com.

When asked whether or not Leakes is being considered for a full-time panel position, the insider said, “Everyone is hoping for that, yes.”

“They want to see how well she does in terms of numbers and ratings before offering her a full-time contract,” said the source.

“But if they see a dramatic increase in numbers for this upcoming episode, then she will most likely be given the gig full-time.”

As RadarOnline.com previously reported, since Joan Rivers' sudden death at the age of 81 in 2014, the show has had countless changes to the cast, including losing veteran judges Kelly Osbourne, 31, and George Kotsiopoulos, 47.

In Dec. 2014, Rivers' longtime friend, Kathy Griffin, 55, joined as a host, only to quit shortly thereafter amid tensions with Rancic.

Do you think that NeNe Leakes is being brought on Fashion Police to replace Giuliana Rancic? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.