Melissa Rivers taking mother's place as co-host of 'Fashion Police'

LOS ANGELES -- Melissa Rivers is taking her late mother's place as co-host of the TV series "Fashion Police."

The E! channel said Wednesday that Rivers will join fellow hosts Giuliana Rancic and Brad Goreski when the celebrity fashion critique series returns this summer. Rivers will continue to serve as executive producer.

In a statement, E! channel executive Jeff Olde said that as an original producer with the show, Rivers helped create its blend of fashion and comedy.

Melissa Rivers' mother, famed comedian Joan Rivers, died in September at 81 after complications from minor throat surgery. Kathy Griffin joined "Fashion Place" as co-host earlier this year but left after seven episodes, saying it didn't fit with her kind of comedy.

"Fashion Police" will return for six episodes starting Aug. 31.