Kathy Griffin Talks 'Fashion Police' Host Role & Taking Over From Joan Rivers: Different Direction For E! Show?

Kathy Griffin is taking over the hosting role for E!'s Fashion Police, but the famously caustic comedienne admits that she's not simply going to emulate her dearly departed friend, Joan Rivers. She will, she says, bring her own specific flavor to the inexplicably much-loved fashion show where adults criticize what other grown ups are wearing. Taking to ABC's The Today Show ahead of Fashion Police's return on Jan. 12, she said that her long-time friend Rivers, "absolutely left big shoes to fill, and I'm bringing my own slippers."

After much speculation, it was finally announced in December that My Life On The D-List Emmy-award winner Griffin would take over from Rivers as host of Fashion Police, after Rivers sadly passed away in September 2014, aged 81. As she gears up for the return of the program, Griffin spoke to The Today Show's Savannah Guthrie, saying that "Joan and I were great pals. And I will continue, if nothing else, in her fearless style of taking no prisoners. But," adds Griffin, "I'm a different human being. I'm more improvisational, and I don't know what I'm going to say."

She will also make sure to change it up. "Every week is going to change, and I change my mind, believe it or not," said Griffin. "One week I might make fun of Gwyneth Paltrow and think she's too Goop-y. The next week I might Goop it up."

She's also been leveling her sights at some of Hollywood's celebrities already, saying that "I have been telling people they're on the Worst Dressed List sight unseen, just to mess with their heads," adding that New Year's Eve CNN co-host Anderson Cooper and NYE 'rival' Ryan Seacrest are already on notice.

But, Griffin figures it's all in good fun. "This is all pomp and circumstance," she added, showing a healthy sense of self and perspective. "It's ridiculousness. If you can't make fun of the red carpet, what can you make fun of?"

As US Weekly point out, Griffin wants more risks to be taken with fashion, adding "I would actually like to encourage the gentlemen and ladies to not play it so safe. I think this could be the year where people take some risks, and I like it...I actually hope some of the ladies bring the heat for the [Golden] Globes."

Before hitting the show she tweeted a picture of herself, Kirstie Alley and Matt Lauer's bald spot.

Yes there is a story behind this photo. Isn't there always? @TODAYshow @KirstieAlley pic.twitter.com/WlrM5VwUqz

— Kathy Griffin (@kathygriffin) January 5, 2015

As Mstars News has previously reported, as well as having Griffin replacing Rivers, co-host/awkward Rivers-joke brayer George Kostiopoulos will be replaced by celebrity stylist and noted glasses-wearer, Brad Goreski. Fashion Police returns Jan. 12 on E!.

 #tbt It was such an honor styling @thevalcherish for the Emmy's! And so much fun being on @thecomebackhbo!

A photo posted by @mrbradgoreski on Dec 12, 2014 at 3:06pm PST

@DVF told me tonight that I could be the woman I always wanted to be! her! #houseofdvf A photo posted by @mrbradgoreski on Dec 12, 2014 at 9:17pm PST