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Sherri Shepherd’s new eponymous show “Sherri” is moving into Wendy Williams’ time slot in the fall as the fate of Williams’ show is still up in the air following ongoing health issues.
This news comes two weeks after it was decided Shepherd, 54, would become the show’s “permanent guest host” until it could be determined whether or not Williams was good to return by fall 2022.
“This is also a bitter-sweet moment for us and our partners at FOX,” Debmar-Mercury Co-Presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein said in a press release on Tuesday. “We all have a great love and affinity for Wendy, who grew into a true icon during her 12 incredible seasons as the solo host of a live, daily talk show dishing on ‘Hot Topics’ and interviewing celebrities.
“Since Wendy is still not available to host the show as she continues on her road to recovery, we believe it is best for our fans, stations and advertising partners to start making this transition now. We hope to be able to work with Wendy again in the future, and continue to wish her a speedy and full recovery.”
Their host of choice should come as little surprise, as “The Wendy Williams Show” hit a ratings high when the former “The View” co-host initially filled in for the Walk-of-Famer last year.
“OMG! I am so excited to have my dream come true and debut my very own talk show ‘Sherri’ in the fall,” Shepherd said in a statement. “I can’t wait until I return to NY to host the show and merge everything I love…pop culture, talk, entertainment and comedy.”
However, a source told Variety that this still doesn’t necessarily mean the end for Williams — who has been battling the affects of Graves’ disease and other undisclosed health issues for months, taking medical leave in September 2021.
“Wendy’s show will not be on the air this fall and its future is up in the air and uncertain,” the insider said. “When Wendy is back to herself, and if she wants to do the show again, Debmar-Mercury is open to it.”
In addition to Shepherd, other guest hosts have included Leah Remini, Jerry Springer, Fat Joe & Remy Ma, Michael Rapaport, Bevy Smith & Terrance J, Kym Whitley & Finesse Mitchell and others.
While caring for her health is paramount, Williams has also been kept busy by her current legal battle against Wells Fargo, with the bank believing the Jersey native may require guardianship over her accounts, an assertion Williams denies within the sealed case.
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