Sources, however, say that Griffin is unlikely to replace Joan Rivers on the E! show after she 'tested poorly' for the show.
- Nov 14, 2014
AceShowbiz - Kathy Griffin is apparently still in the running for a spot left vacant on "Fashion Police" following Joan Rivers' death. After admitting that she was offered to join the show, the comedienne is now reportedly in talks for the gig.
E! and parent NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment Group have not commented on the news, but a so-called insider says, "We would love for Kathy to join 'Fashion Police'. She has had a long, close and collaborative relationship with Frances Berwick dating back years on Bravo."
A previous report by TheWrap, however, contradicted the most recent story. According to the site, Griffin's chance to get the job is "dead" after she "tested poorly." An E! insider said, "They did some focus group testing on Kathy Griffin. The problem viewers mentioned is she'd always be compared to Joan, but never actually as good as her."
The source concluded, "She was tested and tested poorly because she was too close to Joan's comedic sensibility." A representative for E! denied that they did any focus group testing on Griffin, but said that a race for the job "is still a wide open field."
"The Real Housewives of Atlanta" star NeNe Leakes and Tyra Banks are reportedly other candidates considered to replace the late Rivers. An insider said, "Tyra Banks was talked about for 'Fashion Police'."
Earlier this month, Griffin confirmed that she got an offer to be a new "Fashion Police" co-host, but thought that the timing might not be right. "I don't know if the situation is correct at this time for me or right for me at this time," she said.
