Kathy Griffin will be terrorizing the fashion crowd as the new host of Fashion Police, replacing the late Joan Rivers when the show returns to E! in January.

The comic-commentary series, which had aired weekly, will now present 17 special episodes throughout 2015 that focus on high-profile red carpet and fashion events, the network announced on Monday. It returns on Jan 12 for coverage of the Golden Globe Awards.

Jeff Olde, E! executive vice-president, called Rivers "a dear friend and mentor to Kathy, who will no doubt continue her legacy and do the series justice by bringing her own unique comic style and tell-it-like-it-is personality to the host chair".

"You celebrities better strap yourself in," Griffin says, "as I am taking no prisoners."

Griffin is an award-winning actress, comedian and author known for her biting comic style. She won two Emmys for her Bravo reality series, Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List. Her selection had been widely anticipated.

"Kathy just feels right," says Melissa Rivers, who continues as Fashion Police executive producer, adding: "I'm excited to see where this panel takes this series my mother so adored in this next incarnation."

Returning panelists Kelly Osbourne and Giuliana Rancic will be joined by newcomer Brad Goreski, a fashion stylist and lifestyle expert and the former star of Bravo's It's a Brad, Brad World.

Originally hosted by Rivers, Fashion Police had been off the air since the veteran comedian and TV personality was hospitalized in late August after going into cardiac arrest during a medical procedure. She died on Sept 4 at age 81.

(China Daily USA 12/04/2014 page9)