Rosie Perez and Nicolle Wallace join 'The View' as co-hosts

NEW YORK, Sept. 4 (UPI) -- Rosie Perez and Nicolle Wallace have been named the co-hosts of The View for Season 18, ABC announced Thursday.

"These are powerful and accomplished women from different walks of life who have had amazing personal and professional experiences. Each brings incredible perspective and information to the table," Bill Wolff, the show's executive producer, said in a statement. "This mix of smart, vibrant and energetic women is unlike anything else on daytime television."

The pair will join longtime moderator Whoopi Goldberg and returning panelist Rosie O'Donnell at the female-powered roundtable when the chat show returns Sept. 15. Barbara Walters, Sherri Shepherd and Jenny McCarthy left the show last season.

"I am beyond thrilled, honored and completely surprised that I've been asked to join The View," said Perez. "Knowing that I'll be in the company of Whoopi, Rosie and Nicolle, three very smart and engaging women that I have an immense amount of respect for, makes it even more unbelievable. The opportunity to connect with our nation's audience on a daily basis... icing on the cake! Very happy." "I am honored to join the tradition of compelling conversations that has been the signature of The View for the better part of two decades," said Wallace. "I have watched The View for many years and now to be seated alongside three women that I have admired is both humbling and incredibly exciting."