Kathy Griffin has vowed to bring Joan Rivers’ "fearless spirit" to Fashion Police.
The 54-year-old comedienne – who is replacing Joan as a host on the E! series after she passed away from complications while undergoing a minor operation on her vocal cords in September – insists she won’t hold back when it comes to critiquing the latest fashions with her co-hosts Giuliana Rancic, Kelly Osbourne and Brad Goreski.
Kathy said: "Joan took Fashion Police and morphed it into a show that was able to take the p**s out of all aspects of celebrity. I think that is something I’m gonna have fun with, too.
"Joan would, of course, show the pictures and make hilarious comments, and my style is a little more improvisational, a little more conversational. But I hope to at least continue in her fearless spirit because that’s really what I think the show demands and I think it’s what the viewers want."
Kathy says she will approach the show in a manner similar to straight talking US star Judge Judy, who, on her eponymous TV series, settles small claims inside a televised courtroom.
She explained: "You need somebody to bring the hammer down. I’m gonna be like the Judge Judy of Fashion Police. I’m gonna not hold back, no holds barred, because at the end of the day with everything that’s happening in the real world, it’s a place to truly have some fun."
The flame-haired beauty will make her debut on the show when the series returns on January 12 in a brand new format which will see the formerly weekly programme air over 17 episodes, focussing on A-list events including the Emmys, Grammys and Oscars.
Kathy added that before taking on the role she made sure she had the blessing of Joan’s daughter Melissa Rivers, who is the Executive Producer of the series.
She told PEOPLE magazine: "That was obviously a very important part of this whole project moving forward. Joan was a good friend of mine and we had a real connection as genuine human beings, but also as girl comics.
"Of course it was important to get Melissa’s blessing, and Melissa in fact called me after I repeatedly said I wouldn’t do it because I know that it’s a sensitive area. She called me at home and gave me her blessing."
Kathy Griffin vows to continue Joan Rivers’ ‘fearless spirit’ on Fashion Police
