The View

Original "View" co-host Debbie Matenopoulos doesn't need an umbrella, because she has plenty of shade ... which she happily threw at one of the show's new panelists.

A very pregnant Matenopoulos was hanging out at Craig's in West Hollywood and had glowing reviews for 3 members of the new foursome -- Rosie Perez, Nicole Wallace ... along with Whoopi Goldberg and Rosie O'Donnell. Debbie laid out her issues with one of them.

NFL great Tony Gonzalez is suddenly square in the middle of "The View" audition process because his wife and the mother of his first child are squaring off for a co-hosting gig.

The combatants are the future Hall of Famer's wife, October Gonzalez ... and his ex-gf and baby mama Lauren Sanchez. Sources connected to 'View' producers confirm October taped several test segments in NYC yesterday. We're told Lauren and several other candidates were also there.

We're told October was a late addition to the audition process, while Lauren's been in contention for a while. She co-hosted an episode that aired last week ... and she was a leading candidate for the show back in 2000.

There most likely will NOT be room for both women on the set. We've told you, producers are looking for one Latin and one conservative co-host -- so Lauren and October are both vying for that Latina seat.

One source described October as a "long shot" ... but added she's definitely in the running.

Lucky for Tony he'll have nothing to do with the decision process. But if he did ... he's gotta go with the wife, right? Then again ... Lauren did give birth to his firstborn.

Rosie O'Donnell got into a heated showdown over abortion with CNN's S.E. Cupp during a 'View' test show taping with Whoopi Goldberg ... who ended up taking a thinly-veiled shot at Barbara Walters.

Production sources at "The View" tell us Cupp -- who's vying for the conservative role on the show -- had a "nasty" debate yesterday over the Australian couple making headlines for asking their surrogate to abort a Down syndrome baby.

We're told things escalated when Whoopi jumped in and asked Cupp if she ever had to make a decision about abortion. That shut everyone up momentarily ... until Rosie chastised Cupp, saying she didn't want another Elisabeth Hasselbeck.

Here's where Babs comes in. After the taping ... Whoopi -- in front of producers and several potential replacement hosts -- said she'd been "working with a cranky 85-year-old woman who's mad about everything for 2 years, and I need a break."

Hard to tell who Whoopi was really upset with -- Rosie or Cupp -- but the shot at Barbara was undeniable.

As for Cupp ... doesn't sound like she left on Rosie's good side -- but then again ... that may be exactly what "The View" needs.

"The View" producers will give potential replacement co-host Lauren Sanchez her shot at one of the coveted seats when she sits in for Wednesday's episode.

TMZ has learned Sanchez got the call last week, and was told she would be co-hosting with Whoopi Goldberg, Jenny McCarthy and Sherri Shepherd.

Our 'View' sources tell us producers will be watching for Sanchez's "chemistry" with Whoopi -- which makes sense since she's the only one who will be back next season.

As TMZ first told you ... producers are on the hunt for 2 new co-hosts -- one conservative and one Latina. Sanchez -- a former news anchor and 'Extra' host -- was nearly hired in 2000, but they went with Lisa Ling instead.

As Barbara Walters herself put it, Lauren was "thiiis close" to getting the gig back then.

Jenny McCarthy is lending the producers of "The View" a hand ... giving them her idea for the only person who can possibly fill her seat.

Our photog spotted the new SiriusXM host in New York City and asked who should land her spot on the panel?

As TMZ first reported, the producers are looking to land a conservative and a Latina on the panel ... but Jenny went in another direction.

Outside of Rosie O'Donnell ... Whoopi Goldberg has no idea who will be sitting next to her next season on "The View" -- and even though she's the sole survivor, she insists she has ZERO input on the hiring process ... and that's fine by her.

We asked Whoopi about the latest staffing rumors -- Sarah Palin or someone with a penis -- and she toed the company line ... saying it's up to Mouse House honchos, and she'd be glad to work with anyone.

Jenny McCarthy is not spending time in a dark living room ... crying over her "View" firing. Quite the opposite ... she's giving strippers a run for their money.

Jenny hit up a cabaret show in Miami over the weekend after performing at a comedy show and her boobs were in full blossom, though not as much as the day before, when she showed up at a pool party in Vegas.

And she showed up Monday on Howard Stern's show.

Elisabeth Hasselbeck is disgusted that "The View" is bringing Rosie O'Donnell back, as much as saying Rosie is a turncoat American.

Elisabeth -- who's on vacation from "Fox & Friends" -- called in to the show today to comment on the story TMZ broke Tuesday ... that Rosie's coming back for a second round on "The View."

Elisabeth said, "Here comes to "The View" the very woman who spit in the face of our military, spit in the face of her own network and really in the face of a person who stood by her and had civilized debates for the time that she was there."

Elisabeth and Rosie pretty much hated each other ... which ironically made the show compelling.

Fact is ... "The View" now needs another Elisabeth to survive.

Rosie O'Donnell has made her deal with "The View" ... sources connected with the negotiations tell TMZ.

We're told the show will make the announcement shortly.

TMZ broke the story ... the negotiations fired up a few days ago and the deal was almost completed by end of business day Monday.

The deal is now complete. Rosie will join Whoopi Goldberg on the show. As we reported, producers are also looking for a Latina and a conservative. Two conservative candidates who are being scoped are Abby Huntsman and Margaret Hoover.

'View' fans remember ... Rosie always made things interesting.

Rosie O'Donnell is currently in "active negotiations" with "The View" to come back to the program ... sources in connection with Rosie and the production tell TMZ.

We're told Rosie's people are discussing money and other terms with execs from the beleaguered show. She's definitely interested in coming back if the money is right, and we're told the negotiations are far along.

We're told the deal could be sealed shortly and the announcement could be made as early as tomorrow.

Sherri Shepherd and Jenny McCarthy returned to "The View" for the first time since the show announced they were leaving ... and while Sherri got emotional ... Jenny tried to laugh it off.

As TMZ first reported, Jenny and Sherri were sent packing on the same day ... and the producers are eyeing a Latina and a conservative to replace them.

Shepherd cried when talking about her exit after seven years on the show, but Jenny cracked a joke ... first saying her firing wasn't true ... then saying she's already taken a new job that might compete with "The View."

All comedians know when they're bombing, and when they're gonna get the hook ... and that's exactly how Sherri Shepherd felt at "The View" -- at least that's what her pal Sheryl Underwood TRIED to tell us.

As TMZ first reported, Sherri and Jenny McCarthy were sent packing from the daytime talker last week ... and the show is now looking for a Latina and a strong conservative female as replacements.

Sheryl -- who's got her own gig going at "The Talk" -- started to explain why Sherri's background as a standup comic helped prepare her for the the blood-letting at ABC ... and then thought twice of making the comment.

Producers on "The View" have targeted two types of hosts they are looking to fill their empty positions ... and let's just say if you speak a little Spanish ... you could be in luck.

Sources involved in the search tell TMZ ... View honchos are on the hunt for a Latina -- which would be a first for the show. Lauren Sanchez almost got the gig back in the day when Debbie Matenopoulos got fired, but Lisa Ling snagged the gig.

We're also told the show is going old school by looking for "a conservative female with a strong, smart point of view." Our sources say they have their eyes on Margaret Hoover and Abby Huntsman, who is guest hosting on Tuesday.

"The View" is cleaning house. Network sources tell us the cast has been fired... except for Whoopi Goldberg.

Our sources say there was a meeting at ABC late Thursday afternoon and they announced Sherri Shepherd and Jenny McCarthy were out. Sources tell us executive producer Bill Geddie also will not be coming back.

Maybe not coincidentally ... Barbara Walters is scheduled to be on the show Friday (though it did tape on Wednesday).

"The View" has been in turmoil since Jenny was hired ... it messed up the chemistry on the show.

And several sources say there's a real chance Rosie O'Donnell will be coming back. We're also told producers are "very interested" in Laila Ali.

We're also told the show is interested in Ross Mathews and Jesse Palmer.

Jenny tweeted late Thursday, "My View will be changing too. As will with many hard working folks. Thanks to everyone at the show for your dedication and an amazing year."

Shepherd posted a photo on Instagram Thursday night, saying, "Mr @DonnieWahlberg always takes care of his ladies @jennyannmccarthy & me! To be continued... ;O)"

Sherri Shepherd can keep talking for a living about anything she wants ... except the identity and location of the woman who is carrying her baby ... so a judge ordered today.

Shepherd was a no-show in court today, but her estranged husband Lamar Sally was there to argue that their entire divorce should be sealed. The judge did not rule on the case as a whole, but did order both sides to stop talking about their surrogate -- either her identity or location.

As we first reported ... Lamar is concerned a publicity crush at the hospital will endanger the baby.

Nonetheless, he has revealed the due date is July 28.

Sherri Shepherd's estranged husband is upping the ante on the drama over his unborn child ... warning Sherri a gig she's booked -- NINE DAYS BEFORE the baby's due date -- is cutting it too close ... and he's pissed.

TMZ has learned Lamar Sally is outraged Sherri is scheduled to perform July 19 at a gospel fest in Virginia. Their surrogate is due to give birth on July 28 ... in Pennsylvania.

According to sources connected with the couple ... Lamar is telling Sherri missing the birth would be an unforgivable sin -- especially because it's HIS first child.