It seemed a tiny step forward for television, but a step forward none the less, when Joan Rivers announced she was resigning from mindlessly harassing long-suffering celebrities on red carpets outside awards ceremonies – and was taking spawn Melissa with her. (They’re now in hosting hell over at the TV Guide channel.) But, sadly, the thrill of remission was not to last. The welcome void has been filled by an even worse offender. E! Entertainment is replacing the duo with The View‘s egomaniacal shoe freak, Star Jones, who will be holding the mike and getting in the way of the cameras outside the Shrine Auditorium for Sunday’s Live From the Red Carpet: The 2004 Emmy Awards on ABC.

“One thing I will not do is try to duplicate Joan, because you never duplicate an original. That’s not smart,” Jones said to the Associated Press. “My biggest challenge is not to be a stupid, gushing fan because I really love most of the people who are nominated and presenting.” She told the New York Post, “I don’t think you should be snarky or insulting. I just want [the stars] to enjoy their night. It’s about them, not me.” Uh-huh. So she thinks Joan was a stupid, gushing fan who was snarky and insulting? Off to a good start, Star.