'The View' Looking To Replace Meghan McCain With Debbie Matenopoulos, ABC Ready For Original Co-Host To Make Triumphant Return
The View is reportedly eyeing Debbie Matenopoulos to replace Meghan McCain.
According to reports, ABC is interested in the original co-host returning to the table after McCain's exit.
"Next year is our 25th season and we're considering Debbie Matenopoulos making a triumphant return to The View," a show insider told Daily Mail.
Matenopoulos graced the stage with Barbara Walters, Meredith Vieira, Star Jones, and Joy Behar when the talk show aired in 1997.
"While we need to fill the seat that Meghan has vacated, there may be another change coming that we need to plan for. But Debbie would be the perfect fit for our anniversary season," their source continued.
Matenopoulos only appeared on the show for two seasons, but she's been back to serve as a guest co-host throughout the years.
"Debbie's recent guest co-hosting of The Talk has not gone unnoticed at ABC and it would make sense to scoop her up," the ABC insider revealed.
Executives reportedly believe that Matenopoulos can hold her own against View stars Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin, and Sara Haines.
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"Debbie got such a raw deal when she was cast 24 years ago – she was only 21 and had no real-life experience. Yet over the past 20 plus years she has blossomed, she's married, has a child, is a successful television host and she now could hold her own at The View's table, day after day," the source explained.
They also tip their hat to Matenopoulos, giving her credit for putting The View on the map.
"Ratings struggled in those first two years that Debbie was at The View, but SNL took notice of the dynamic between Debbie and the other women and their The View skits became must viewing on Saturday nights. SNL's audience would then take a peek at The View to see Debbie and the other ladies in action on the show and The View's audience began to grow," the insider told the outlet.
They added, "It would be a great blast from the past and Debbie certainly has the experience and wit to return to the table and reclaim her seat."
Matenopoulos' rep tells RadarOnline.com, never say never.
"Debbie will always have a fond place in her heart for The View, the show that launched her career as a 21-year-old straight out of NYU. Her rep has in fact been having conversations with senior executives at ABC News over the past few months about many things, including her participation in celebrating the 25th season of The View, and she appreciates all the interest in her returning," her rep said in a statement.
But she's a busy gal.
"Currently, she is in development on two food shows and her own lifestyle show, but she’d never say never to returning to her first television home," they add.
As RadarOnline.com reported, McCain announced her exit last week, with reports stating Whoopi made it clear that she wanted her co-star gone.
