Abby Huntsman announced on Monday that this Friday will be her last episode on "The View." She's leaving the show to work on her father's campaign for governor of Utah.
Her co-host on the show, Whoopi Goldberg, will be out for Friday's episode, so during Thursday's show she took time to offer a special toast to Huntsman.
"I'm not gonna be here tomorrow and tomorrow's your last day. So I wanted to make sure that I got to do a little toast to you at our table," Goldberg said while holding a glass of champagne. "I want to tell you that it's been an honor and a pleasure sitting next to you. Whatever you're doing next, traveling, dealing with the kids — I can't wait to see the kids when they're a little older — and looking after your dad. It's going to be really interesting and so we'll be watching, we'll keep our eye out on you."
Reports suggest that part of Huntsman reason for leaving had to do with the "toxic environment" on the show and also that the network was considering replacing her.
From The Daily Mail:
"Abby was added to the show without chemistry-testing with the other women mainly because she had a prior relationship with Meghan McCain and ABC was desperate to make Meghan appear more likable. But it didn't take execs long to realize that Abby talked a lot, but she never really said anything. Her points and opinions never really landed with the audience because it often lacked substance."
In her absense, Ana Navarro is expected to take on a bigger role. She has often filled in for hosts in the past.
"It's no secret, the audience loves Ana. Whoopi, Joy and Sunny love Ana," the Daily Mail’s source said. "The producers love Ana. Giving her more days would be a no-brainer for sure. But since ABC News has taken over The View, the right thing is rarely done anymore, which is why the turnover rate on this show post-Barbara is so high."
