Michelle Collins Is Leaving The View

Co-host served on the panel for one year

UPDATE: Michelle Collins released a statement about her departure on Instagram. "Hi everyone, Well, the news is out: I'm leaving The View. Yes, I'm officially the newest member of the 'One Seasoner' club, the latest graduate of talk show boot camp, ending what has been, simply put, the most surreal and fabulous year of my life. I want to say a big thanks to EVERYONE at the show...They're an incredibly hardworking group of talented people. Special thanks to Whoopi [Goldberg] for always having my back, and, you know, being an icon. And to all of you: I see your tweets, I see your messages, and I'm sending you all the heart emojis. Many exciting things await, can't wait to share everything with you! All my love, Michelle Collins, #15."

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Michelle Collins is officially leaving The View.

The news comes from the show's executive producer Candi Carter who sent an email to staffers announcing the news. "I have some bittersweet news to share—Michelle Collins is leaving the show," Carter wrote. "A gracious presence on stage and off, she asked smart questions, made us laugh and will always be part of The View family. We wish her great success with some exciting new projects ahead."

The note continued, "Please join me in thanking Michelle for her hard work, great humor and many contributions this season to The View. She'll be in the office next week to say good-bye to you personally."

Collins' departure comes only one year after she was officially announced as a co-host; however, before the official announcement was made, rumors about Collins' status swirled. Variety reported that her departure wasn't voluntary, as producers made the decision not to renew her contract.

ABC wouldn't comment on the rumors, but did release a statement praising Collins' work. "Michelle is smart, opinionated and funny," a spokesperson said in a statement to E! News. "She's been a great addition to the panel this year. When we are ready to make an announcement about next season, we will."

Familiar to casting shakeups, The View also had to shoot down rumors that Raven-Symoné was leaving the panel, calling the idea "ridiculous."

"Ratings are up," a spokesperson told E! News at the time. "We are very happy with the team we have. Raven is a great addition to the panel."

(Originally published June 17, 2016 at 6:29 a.m. PT)