Former Disney star Raven Symone has just been announced as the new co-host for ABC's "The View." Whoopi Goldberg made the announcement on the show Wednesday.
Raven has been a guest co-host since March this year along with Goldberg, Nicolle Wallace and Rosie Perez. But thanks to the recent news, fans can now rave about the "Cheetah Girl" as a permanent anchor.
Whoopi revealed, "We are happy to announce Raven-Symone is now permanently part of 'The View.'" The audience started screaming right before Raven's grand entrance.
Symone walked out on stage as the song "Celebrate" played in the background after a confetti cannon was shot amongst the audience. Raven immediately shared a hug with her fellow hosts.
The "Dr. Dolittle" actress also expressed her excitement saying, "I am so happy. I remember coming on 'The View' when I was 15 years old for the first 'Cheetah Girls.'"
She then continued, "I'm very happy to be sitting with these smart, talented mentors." The "That's So Raven" star then presented her co-hosts with some gifts. She brought some chocolates for Nicolle, watermelon and potato chips for Whoopi, tres leches cake for Rosie, and bacon for guest co-host Iliza Shlesinger.
Iliza showed her appreciation for the gift, "I don't work here and I get a gift." Raven then introduced the Hot Topics segment of the show: "You guys, let's have some fun!"
In a statement via E! Online, Raven shared her sentiments about the new deal. "The Disney Company has made another one of my dreams come true! Being a part of 'The View' family will be a wonderful growing experience for me."
Symone then added, "The cast an crew are warm and welcoming and has made the transition into daytime talk easier. I have a lot to learn within this new arena, but being the apprentice of these spectacular women will only make me a better person and talk show host. I want to thank ABC< ABC News and The Disney Company for believing in me and my potential!"
"She is happy, amusing and well informed, and has already brought a unique perspective to the program that has resonated with our audience," creator and executive producer Barbara Walters said.