Report: 'The View' co-hosts finding Star Jones' departure 'liberating'

In the wake of Star Jones' departure from the U.S. talk show "The View," her former co-hosts have said her absence has been "liberating."

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The New York Post reported that since Jones surprised viewers by announcing on June 27 that she was leaving the show, Barbara Walters, Joy Behar and Elisabeth Hasselbeck have enjoyed the new looser atmosphere.

"Elisabeth can finally get a word in edgewise, and you can see how she's opened up," an insider told the paper. "And Barbara and Joy are joking around a lot more."

Since Jones' departure, substitutes on the show have included former "American Idol" contestant Kellie Pickler, ABC News' Deborah Roberts and Kelly Monaco from "Dancing with the Stars."

With actress Rosie O'Donnell set to join the cast permanently on Sept. 5, sources have told the Post that Walters and producer Bill Geddie may not pick a final fifth member anytime soon.