In a surprise move, Bob Beckel is returning to Fox News as a co-host of The Five, beginning tonight.
An original co-host of the program when it launched in 2011, Beckel was dismissed from the show, and Fox News, in the summer of 2015. At the time, Fox said, “We couldn’t hold The Five hostage to one man’s personal issues.” Beckel continued to battle substance abuse. In the months prior to his departure, Beckel had been out for several weeks.
When he joined CNN a few months later, he talked about how his life as a “raging drunk” led to repeated brushes with death. “I’ve been shot, I’ve been stabbed, I’ve been in two car accidents where everybody else died except me.”
Beckel’s return means Juan Williams will appear less frequently on the show, but will remain an FNC contributor across all Fox News programs.
“Bob was missed by many fans of The Five,” said executive chairman of 21st Century Fox and of Fox News Rupert Murdoch. “We’re happy to welcome him back to the show.”
“I’m thrilled for the opportunity to go home again and join my television family around the table of The Five,” commented Beckel. “I have no doubt it will be a vigorous yet entertaining debate.”