Fashion Police to return in January with Kathy Griffins as Joan Rivers' replacement

Fashion Police returns in January 2015 and Rivers' comedian best friend is set to replace her

TV hosts Melissa and Joan Rivers with actress Kathy Griffin arrive to the 62nd Annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel January 16, 2005 in (Getty Images)

American actress and comedian Kathy Griffin is reportedly replacing the iconic fashion critique Joan Rivers in the TV series Fashion Police.

The popular E! TV show was left with a big empty space following the sudden death of the comedienne Joan Rivers back in September. Weeks later it was confirmed that the show will continue to broadcast and return in January 2015 with the blessing of Rivers’ daughter and producer of the show, Melissa, but whether a replacement for Rivers would be sought had not been confirmed, until now.

According to TMZ, 54-year-old Griffin will join Rivers’ regular co-hosts Kelly Osbourne and Giuliana Rancic, as well as daughter Melissa Rivers, while the fate of George Kotsiopoulos is unknown. However, the fashion critique show will axe its weekly format and will instead only broadcast awards and red carpets as “event programming”, marking its return in January for the Golden Globes coverage.

American actress and comedian Kathy Griffin (Getty)

Griffin was one of Rivers’ best friends. US Weekly reports that “Joan has always given her blessing to Kathy,” and that she “wanted Kathy to be her successor.” The insider continues, “they talked about it many times. They have such a similar sense of humour and were the best of friends.”

Griffin confirmed to Access Hollywood that she has been offered the job but she also said: “I don’t know if the situation is correct at this time for me or right for me at this time.”

Melissa and Joan Rivers with actress Kathy Griffin at the 62nd Annual Golden Globe Awards in 2005 (Getty Images)

She had the highest of praise for the comedienne's influence on her. She told US Weekly: "It's hard to know where to begin with how Joan Rivers changed my life, but I do know I would not be doing what I do if it weren't for Joan.

“She brought a fearlessness and a brand of humour into our homes that we really need.”

The red-haired comedian was reportedly handpicked by Rivers’ daughter. According to Radar Online, an unnamed source said: “That’s what her mother would have wanted.”

While sources connected with the show told TMZ that the hiring is a “done deal”, a spokesperson for E! told Page Six: “At this point, talks are continuing and we have nothing to confirm.”

Joan Rivers with Kathy Griffin (Getty Images)

Griffin is better known for her controversial stand-up comedies and her acting in films like Pulp Fiction. Can her snarky humour fill the space left by Rivers?

The Independent is waiting for comment from E! Entertainment.