*After various unsubstantiated reports that Raven-Symoné was leaving “The View” for one reason or another, it’s finally true.
Variety is reporting that the actress will exit the ABC daytime talk show by year’s end to develop a spinoff of her old Disney Channel comedy series “That’s So Raven.”
Symoné will move from New York City to Los Angeles for the as-yet-untitled spinoff, in which she’s set to star and serve as an executive producer. She’ll reprise her role as psychic Raven Baxter, who was last seen as a teenager on the show when it aired from 2003 to 2007. Her character will now be a divorced mother of two pre-teen kids, one of whom has inherited her ability to catch glimpses of the future.
“Raven’s brilliant style of fearless comedy was a driving force for Disney Channel’s success around the world. Her performance in ‘That’s So Raven’ is timeless. We now have our eyes on the future with her, and we’re looking forward to telling more stories for a new generation with an adult Raven Baxter raising her young family,” said Adam Bonnett, exec VP of original programming for Disney Channels Worldwide.
According to Variety, Symoné was already being phased out of “The View” this season, with her appearances only occurring about once a week. With eight co-hosts currently on board, it’s unlikely Symoné will be replaced.
Insiders say ABC has been looking for ways to trim down the panel, which currently features seven other co-hosts, in addition to Symoné with Joy Behar, Candace Cameron Bure, Paula Faris, Sara Haines, Jedediah Bila, Sunny Hostin and moderator Whoopi Goldberg.
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