The Search For The View's Joy Behar Has Begun; Brooke Shields, Kirstie Alley Considered To Fill Seat

Joy Behar’s recent announcement that she’s leaving daytime talk show 'The View' when her contract expires this August leaves wide open for speculations on her replacement.

Behar officially announced she was leaving 'The View' earlier this morning, while the weekend rumor mill is spewing news that Elisabeth Hasselbeck was fired, which Barbra Walters reported untrue.

Immediately after the news broke that Behar may leave, there was word that child star turned mega actress, Brooke Shields, may replace the comedian.

A rep for The View, who spoke with Entertainment Weekly, says that, “Everything was discussed at the top for today’s show. As far as Brooke Shields joining the show, I cannot confirm this rumor.” The Brooke Shields camp has no comment on the matter.

Brooke Shields is a frequent guest co-host. She has sat in on the Today show, The Talk and Good Morning America. She also appeared as Lady Nora in the Downtown Abbey Jimmy Fallon spoof.

Another interesting personality being broached is Kirstie Alley. She’s always ready and prepared to talk about her weight – a regular topic at The View, which reaches a huge female audience. Alley is also in the same age range as Behar. Her opinions may put some audience uneasy but her perspective and experience will bring a good mix into the pool of lady-like opinions The View has been known.

Other replacements being talked about are Meghan McCain, which could signify an earth-shattering overhaul of the show, as well as Ali Wentworth. A far-fetched but still potentially interesting replacement would be Kathy Griffin. The foul-mouthed stand-up comic who has been a mainstay for CNN’s New Year’s Eve show and a famous best gal pal of Anderson Cooper, has her own show on Bravo.

Griffin and Hasselbeck has an infamous encounter on the show when Griffin was guest and her presence could well be spark fiery and feisty conversations at the show’s famous table and couch every morning.

Behar is leaving the show after 16 seasons and was one of the first co-hosts with co-creator Barbara Walters when the series debuted. In addition to The View, Behar hosted “The Joy Behar Show” on HLN form 2009 to 2011 and is currently on “Joy Behar: Say Anything!” on Current TV, the latter debuted last year.

When you announced this last week, it was very bittersweet,” Barbara Walters says on her co-host decision to leave. “I want what’s best for you, but I will miss you. But you have your reasons for wanting to go, and I’m happy when you’re happy.”