Nicolle Wallace To Exit ‘The View’; Republican Political Commentator To Return As Guest Contributor?

By Staff Reporter

Jul 17, 2015 08:04 PM EDT

After joining the "The View" last fall, Nicolle Wallace is reportedly exiting the ABC News program. Wallace's departure came after she has been offered as a guest contributor, instead of being a host, for the program's 19^th season.

Nicolle Wallace joined the program "The View" along with Rosie O'Donnell and Rosie Perez last fall. According to Entertainment Weekly, Wallace's role as a co-host will change if the 43-year-old Republican political commentator decides to stay with the show. She will also stay on the program until Aug. 6.

Due to co-host panel revamping of one of TV's longest running talk shows, "The View," and the exits of co-creators Barbara Walters, Sherri Shepherd and Jenny McCarthy at the end of the last season, Nicolle Wallace was added to the team. However, the former White House staffer under President George W. Bush is set to be reassigned as a contributor amid ABC News' plans to reboot the show once again.

"Nicolle brings wit and intelligence to the table, she works hard, and she's a terrific political analyst," a source close to the show told The Wrap.

Meanwhile, moderator Whoopi Goldberg, newcomer Michelle Collins and Raven-Symone, who joined the panel full-time last month, are the only cast members that are sure to appear for the 19^th season of "The View," Variety has learned.

In addition to the returning host next season, Sherri Shepherd, who bowed out less than a year ago, is also reportedly returning to the show along with former "Full-House" actress Candace Cameron-Bure, who could take on the role of Wallace, the show's conservative expert.

Also in talks for a position in "The View's" growing stable of regular, rotating guest co-hosts for the upcoming Season 19 are "GMA Weekend" presenter Paula Faris, Molly Sims and stylist Stacy London.

Nicolle Wallace has yet to decide if she'll continue in the show as its contributor or if she totally departs "The View." An ABC News spokesperson has declined to comment on the changes of the show, while Wallace's rep didn't respond to an email or a phone call.

Even though Nicolle Wallace missed Wednesday's telecast, she was expected to return to the hosting table on Thursday. According to an insider, Wallace was absent because she's hurt over ABC's lack of respect in personally asking her not to return to "The View" full-time as its next season premieres in mid-September.