A 2nd new co-host WILL be announced...at some point

It's official. On today's show Whoopi Goldberg was announced as the new moderator of The View. Not entirely surprising of course. But she's a good choice and I hope she does well and sticks around.

So where was the other new co-host we were all expecting? Well it turns out - and I'm thinking God himself has intervened here - Sherri Shepherd is in the process of screwing herself out of the deal. Read on, gentle Viewers...

From In Touch Weekly:

Comedian Whoopi Goldberg wasn't the only new host that The View hoped to introduce to its lineup this week. In Touch has learned exclusively that Barbara Walters had planned to announce on August 1 that actress Sherri Shepherd would be coming aboard too. Unfortunately, negotiations between, Sherri, who starred on Less than Perfect and Suddenly Susan, and the ABC talk show stalled just days ago. "They just couldn't work out the money part of it," an insider tells In Touch. "They weren't willing to pay Sherri what she was asking for." It's speculated that Sherri demanded at least $2 million - which insiders say is what Whoopi will receive for her first year on the air.

Although the negotiations with Sherri aren't necessarily over, In Touch has learned that The View has also resumed its conversation with former CNN news anchor and syndicated radio host Jacque Reid, who has guest-hosted more than six times. Barbara and the other producers are committed to adding a fifth host to The View before the new season begins on September 4.

Sherri's rebuttal to E! News:

"I love being on The View," Shepherd told E! News Wednesday. "As far as we are concerned, talks are ongoing."

Shepherd also disputed an In Touch report claiming she wanted a $2 million deal. "The financial information that has been reported is inaccurate," she said.

Meanwhile, a rep for The View confirmed that producers are looking to fill the fifth seat, but that it won't necessarily go to Shepherd: "They are having ongoing discussions with several people."

OMG this about-turn of events is amazing. I'm stunned. Kathy Griffin is still probably out of the running (unfortunately), but it looks like Sherri's headed towards the door as well.