Jenny McCarthy Joining ‘The View’? Former Playboy Star ‘In Serious Talks’ To Replace Joy Behar

Jenny McCarthy is reportedly considering a serious offer from "The View" to become the ABC talk show’s newest co-host, amid reports that Joy Behar will be departing. The 40-year-old former Playmate of the Year currently hosts “The Jenny McCarthy Show” on VH1, which premiered in February, but is rumored to be looking for a way out.

Behar, who has been on “The View” for 16 years, announced three months ago that she would leave in August, creating a vacancy. And despite McCarthy’s commitment with VH1, the blonde beauty is reportedly eager to take on the new role.

In an interview with Deadline, Behar, 70, described her exit as a matter of timing. “It seemed like the right time,” she told the site. “You reach a point when you say to yourself, ‘Do I want to keep doing this?’ There are other things on my plate I want to do — I’ve been writing a play, I’ve been neglecting my standup.”

Behar’s departure announcement has fueled months of rampant speculation about who might replace her. Some of the rumored runners-up have included Gloria Estefan, Kathy Griffin, Brooke Shields, Rachel Campos-Duffy and Ali Wentworth. ABC has not confirmed any of those names, but did say that they were looking for someone “outspoken and passionate.”

McCarthy, who became an anti-vaccine activist after her son Evan was diagnosed with autism and has appeared on “The View” several times, seems to fit that bill. An insider said that she has a good rapport with the show’s cast and crew, and that although ratings for “The Jenny McCarthy Show” have been less than stellar, producers think she would be a valuable addition to the cast.

"She is in serious talks right now," a source with knowledge of the situation told Us Weekly. "Her show isn't quite working out, so she's definitely open to it."

"The cast and crew get a kick out of Jenny," the source added. "She's a good fit. She may not be able to carry a show, but she works well with a group ensemble."

In addition to modeling and comedy, McCarthy has written seven books, most recently including “Bad Habits: Confessions of a Recovering Catholic,” which was published in 2012.