Giuliana Rancic is leaving her gig as "E! News" anchor, the entertainment network announced Wednesday morning in a statement. The 40-year-old will continue her role as co-host of the E! shows, "Fashion Police" and "Live From The Red Carpet." Her last day at the entertainment news show is Monday, Aug. 10.
No specific reason was cited for leaving the networks flagship program after 10 years, but she said in the statement that she is looking forward to focusing on other aspects of her career. "For more than a decade, I was fortunate enough to play a role in the success of E! News and will miss my family at the show. At the same time, I am excited to not only continue as host of two major franchises on E! but also executive produce the aspirational new show "Rich in Faith" for Oxygen as well as take my wine and clothing lines to the next level. This is such a thrilling time for me and I thank the gang at E! for understanding my desire to embark on this next chapter in my life," she says.
It has been a crazy year for Rancic, who made headlines earlier this year after making controversial comments about actress Zendaya's dreadlocks during a post-Academy Awards episode of "Fashion Police." The host said Zendaya looked like she smelled like weed and patchouli, comments that were taken by many to be racially insensitive. The comments also led to a public feud with "Fashion Police" co-star Kelly Osborne, who quit the show which forced the program to be taken off the air.
E! has not named a replacement for Rancic, but conversations are occurring to expand Maria Menounos' role, reports Variety. Rancic's co-host Terrence Jenkins and E! personalities Jason Kennedy and Catt Sadler will continue to remain in their same roles.
