Jenny McCarthy cleared up one mystery but created another as she said her tearful goodbyes on "The View" Monday, explaining that she's leaving the ABC talk show for a new gig.
McCarthy, 41, who only just joined the show last year, confirmed with co-host Sherri Shepherd that they will both be leaving at the end of this season.
Both women previously confirmed their departures two weeks ago as rumors swirled in the media.
"It is true, let me tell you what's going on," McCarthy said Monday on "The View." "I am so grateful to have worked with Barbara Walters in her last year along with many producers and cohost, but after much consideration, I have a new job that will allow me to do what I do best, which is talk without having to interrupt anyone."
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"I will be announcing it in the next few weeks and couldn't have been more grateful for the fans who have supported me, so stay tuned even if it does compete with 'The View,'" she added.
McCarthy,
who joined the panel last year after Elisabeth Hasselbeck and Joy Behar left, was a controversial choice to join the show from the start. Her opinions against vaccinations and their connection to autism ruffled feathers long before she became a host.
"She was a terrible fit on 'The View,' but at least the presence of tight producer control and a diverse set of cohosts kept her from spewing anti-vaccine views,"
wrote Daniel D'Addario of Salon. "McCarthy was undeniably a bad fit . . . but not because of her views. She was out of place, indeed, because she had a hard time making herself heard on topics that required familiarity with the news of the day; she was palpably unconfident. It made for unpleasant viewing."
Meanwhile, Shepherd attributed her departure to her faith.
"Seven in the Bible is the number of God's completion," she said Monday. "And I've been here seven years and my time at 'The View' is complete."
TMZ reported in late June that "The View" producers were hoping to find a Hispanic woman and a conservative to fill the two open spots.
"Lauren Sanchez almost got the gig back in the day when
Debbie Matenopoulos got fired, but Lisa Ling snagged the gig," wrote TMZ. "We're also told the show is going old school by looking for 'a conservative female with a strong, smart point of view.' Our sources say they have their eyes on Margaret Hoover and Abby Huntsman."
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