The future of Wendy Williams’ show is up in the air.
Following the show’s latest premiere push-back, show execs are now looking at backup plans if Wendy can’t come back at all.
via Page Six:
“The executives have been talking,” said a source. “They are keeping a close eye on [Williams’] recovery and hoping for the best. But they have pushed back [her] show premiere several times so they are already thinking of a backup plan,” a source close to the show told Page Six.
The source added that: “It would not be a far stretch for Nick to take her time slot… Debmar-Mercury [which produces both shows] is really pushing to make Nick Cannon’s show a huge success. He already has a major platform, and a huge fanbase, so it is an easy win. So, if Wendy’s show ends up being a no-go, their backup plan is already set.”
Williams’ Season 13 premiere has just been moved once again to Oct. 18 due to her health. The show was previously set to premiere Oct. 4, after an original date of Sept. 20.
Other TV sources point out that simply plugging Cannon’s show into Williams’ timeslot could be complex. Both shows are syndicated — meaning individual station groups would have to make the decision to replace Williams’ show with Cannon’s. Said a source, “It’s likely they would make a deal, but it’s a station to station decision.”
However, the producers now have a backup to consider, as Williams’ comeback continues to get pushed.
It has been revealed that the 57-year-old talk show host contracted COVID-19 in September, and in the same month was also transported to Beth Israel Hospital for a mental health check.
“To be honest with you Wendy is going through a lot right now,” said a source.
There has been speculation that if Williams does return, she will address her health issues on-air: Page Six previously reported that her Season 13 debut show was scheduled to have no guests and just feature Williams.
Sources had also said Cannon could appear as a future guest.
If you’ve listened to the latest episode of ‘The B. Scott Show,’ then you know this falls right in line with what we’ve been hearing — Wendy might not be coming back at all. Only time will tell.
