‘The View’: Who Replaced Abby Huntsman?
Abby Huntsman quit The View coinciding with a week of rumors there was turmoil within the cast. The conservative co-host cited she was leaving to help her father run a political campaign. Fans that follow the ABC show daily have been curious to find out who will take the open seat. Following Huntsman’s departure, viewers have been able to see what the show looks like without her.
The View is down a host during the week following Huntsman leaving the show. After her departure, the daytime talker eliminated Huntsman from the intro. Now the only names that appear are Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin, and Meghan McCain.
Fans were eager to see who will fill the seat for Huntsman but no other person has sat in for the mother of three. There have only been four co-hosts and ABC News has not announced an official replacement or guest co-host for now.
Why did Abby Huntsman quit?
Huntsman surprised fans when she announced she was leaving The View after only two seasons.
“After much deliberation over the holidays, I have decided to leave the show to dedicate myself full-time in support of my dad and his campaign for Governor of Utah,” Huntsman said.
Ahead of her announcement on-air, Huntsman released a statement confirming her exit from the daytime show.
“Family has always been my number one priority, and is where I need to be focused at this time,” she told People in a statement. “We are incredibly close and are there to support and help each other when it matters. It’s not often there is a political campaign that involves someone you love and believe in, but this is one of them.”
News of Huntsman leaving came as rumors around the show’s cast were rampant. On her last day, the conservative co-host debunked all the gossip around the program.
“People go nuts with rumors on this show and this week has been no exception,” Huntsman said during her farewell, “I just want to be as clear as I possibly can, this has been a dream come true, this has been an incredible job, I do love everyone at this table.”
Huntsman said she was thankful for her experience in the iconic political show.
“I just want to make it as clear as day, with everything that has been written about this place. I am leaving so thankful for all the new friends that I have here, for the friends I had before and still have and for the opportunity because this place has changed my life for the better,” Huntsman ended.
Whoopi Goldberg gives a toast
Huntsman’s last day on The View was on Friday, January 17, when Goldberg was not scheduled to appear. A day before her last day, the Sister Act legend gave a toast to Huntsman dedicating kind words to her.
“I wanted to make sure that I got to do a little toast to you at our table,” Goldberg said with champagne in hand. “I want to tell you that it’s been an honor and a pleasure sitting next to you and whatever you’re doing next, traveling, deal with the kids –I can’t wait to see the kids when they’re a little bit older– and looking out for your dad… It’s going to be real interesting and we’ll be watching. We’ll keep our eye out on you.”
“Thank you for being my guardian angel here, you have been,” Huntsman replied.
The View airs weekdays at 11 a.m. ET and 10 a.m. PT/CT on ABC.
