Jenny McCarthy may be axed from 'The View'.

The former Playboy model has raised eyebrows with her controversial hosting style on the US chat show and is proving less popular with viewers than former co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck according to new figures, allegedly prompting ABC bosses to consider letting her go.

A source told RadarOnline.com: ''ABC has begun doing deep research on Jenny's work on the show and the initial findings are that viewers want to tune out the second she opens her mouth!

''The data has revealed that she is far more off-putting than Elisabeth.''

The decision about whether to fire the loud-mouthed blonde is said to lie entirely with veteran presenter Barbara Walters, 84, who is retiring from the show next summer.

The production insider added: ''[Barbara] isn't looking for a replacement for Jenny yet, she is obsessed with ratings and the longevity of the show, so Jenny needs to turn it around or she will be gone.

''If Barbara wants her out, they will buy out her contract. Right now they're just trying to adjust Jenny's performance on the show so that she comes off as more appealing, but that's an uphill battle.''

Controversial character Jenny has come under fire for claiming her nine-year-old son Evan's autism was caused by childhood immunisations.

According to The Wrap, 'The View' has seen minor dips in viewing figures since Jenny joined, averaging at 3.023 million total viewers compared to the 3.239 million it had in the first three weeks of its last season.