Star Jones has managed to annoy us even in her absence. Make that because of her absence. She’s expected to announce this week on The View, where she’s been a charter member for nine years, that she’ll be leaving the show in July, two months before Rosie O’Donnell plops on the couch in September, thus denying viewers the pleasure of watching the two bitch and snark at each other, pretty much the only reason to watch the show at all. Of course, the fact that Jones may fade into obscurity (fingers crossed), despite alleged deals in the works, more than makes up for the missing Star wars.

Update: She did it. She told the world today. People reports that she told the Viewers:

“Something’s been on my heart for a little bit, and after much prayer and counsel I feel like this is the right time to tell you that the show is moving in another direction for its tenth season and I will not be returning as cohost next year,” she said on the air.

“That’s shocking to me,” interrupted Joy Behar, who was quieted by Star, who took the hands of all her cohosts.

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