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Comedian Kathy Griffin blows a kiss at photographers at the 20th Annual Fulfillment Fund Stars benefit gala in Beverly Hills, California, Oct. 14, 2014. Griffin will replace the late Joan Rivers as co-host of E!’s hit show “Fashion Police.” Reuters

After months of speculation, E! has confirmed that comedian Kathy Griffin will succeed the late Joan Rivers as co-host of “Fashion Police” alongside celebrity stylist Brad Goreski, the network announced Monday. The series is slated to return Jan. 12, 2015, the day after the Golden Globes, and will run for 17 episodes.

“Not only was Joan a trailblazer, she was also a dear friend and mentor to Kathy, who will no doubt continue her legacy and do the series justice by bringing her own unique comedic style and tell-it-like-it-is personality to the host chair,” Jeff Olde, executive vice president, programming and development, of E!, said in a statement, according to Variety. “Plus, the addition of trendsetting stylist Brad completes the panel as the show begins its next chapter, which will focus on covering the major award shows and fashion events throughout the year.”

Griffin, 54, said in November that the network had offered her the position. The comedian had previously denied rumors of her taking over for Rivers, who died Sept. 4 at the age of 81 after going into cardiac arrest during a throat operation in New York City.

The future of “Fashion Police” was uncertain following Rivers’ sudden death. The network said in early September that it would “respond at a later date with programming updates.”

“Fashion Police,” whose hosts also include Giuliana Rancic and Kelly Osbourne (George Kotsiopoulos will not be returning), centers around critiquing celebrity fashion on the red carpet. Rivers’ witty commentary anchored the show. “I'm completely heartbroken by the loss of my beloved Joan,” Osbourne wrote on Facebook. “Not only was she my boss, she was and will always be my teacher, therapist, closest friend, inspiration and the only grandmother I ever knew. She was family and I will never forget her.”

Griffin has become a fixture on the reality television circuit and most recently appeared on “Big Brother 16” and “Kirstie.” She has had several standup specials in recent years and hosted her own talk show in 2012 and 2013 called “Kathy.”

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