Kathy Griffin joins 'Fashion Police' as new host (w/video)

NEW YORK — Kathy Griffin will be terrorizing the fashion crowd as the new host of "Fashion Police," replacing the late Joan Rivers when it returns to E! in January.

The comic-commentary series, which had aired weekly, will now present 17 special episodes throughout 2015 that focus on high-profile red carpet and fashion events, E! announced Monday. It returns Jan. 12 for coverage of the Golden Globe Awards.

E! Executive Vice President Jeff Olde called Rivers "a dear friend and mentor to Kathy, who will no doubt continue her legacy and do the series justice by bringing her own unique comic style and tell-it-like-it-is personality to the host chair."

"You celebrities better strap yourself in," Griffin said, "as I am taking no prisoners."

Griffin is an award-winning actress, comedian and author known for her biting comic style. She won two Emmys for her Bravo reality series, "Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List." Her selection had been widely anticipated.

"Kathy just feels right," said Melissa Rivers, who continues as "Fashion Police" executive producer, adding: "I'm excited to see where this panel takes this series my mother so adored in this next incarnation."

Returning panelists Kelly Osbourne and Giuliana Rancic will be joined by newcomer Brad Goreski, a fashion stylist and lifestyle expert and the former star of Bravo's "It's a Brad, Brad World."

Originally hosted by Rivers, "Fashion Police" had been off the air since the veteran comedian and TV personality was hospitalized in late August after going into cardiac arrest during a medical procedure at a New York doctor's office. She died Sept. 4 at age 81.

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