Contrary to belief, Rosie O'Donnell has dismissed rumours claiming that her The View co-host Rosie Perez is quitting the show after just four months, insisting that the actress will be back in her seat after rehearsing for her upcoming play.
O'Donnell shared the news in a segment of the show on Thursday (Jan. 15) as reports continued to circulate alleging that the Pineapple Express star -- who has been absent from the show since the start of the month -- will quit the show to work on her new play, Fish in the Dark.
"No matter what you read anywhere, Rosie Perez is coming back after she is done rehearsing her play," the comedian told viewers. "Her play... opens soon and then she will be back here soon at her job regardless of what you hear on other shows or read in magazines."
Rosie O'Donnell has slammed rumours Rosie Perez has quit the show (WENN)
The 52-year-old isn't the only one to confirm Rosie's pending return to the women's talk show either, with executives at ABC News also releasing a statement that reveals White Men Can't Jump star will return to the show. "Rosie Perez is currently in rehearsal for her Broadway play for the month of January. Her status with the show has not changed."
News that Perez, 50, was intent on leaving the show broke on Wednesday, with many reports claiming that she was to be replaced by Glee star Naya Rivera. Some even alleged that ABC was contemplating abandoning the show altogether due to plummeting ratings, arguments behind-the-scenes and show founder Barbara Walters' retirement.
Rosie will return to the show at the end of the month (WENN)
"The brass at ABC feels like they've tried to do everything possible to breathe new life into this show," an insider told Daily Mail Online. Adding that the team had even attempted to move the show from ABC Entertainment Daytime to the ABC News division, that was doing demonstrably well with Good Morning America. But it was claimed that in spite of their attempts to revamp the show, nothing was helping to improve their falling ratings. "They're ready to abandon ship at this point," the source added.
But despite all of the speculation, a spokesperson for the show denied any claims that ABC were shutting down the programme to the publication. What with that and Perez's confirmed return, it looks like The View isn't planning to make changes to it's format anytime soon. Another day, another rumour in the land of celeb!
