Wendy Williams 'blindsided' by news of Sherri Shepherd taking over her talk show slot
Wendy Williams, 57, felt "blindsided" with the announcement that Sherri Shepherd, 54, would be getting her new talk show in Wendy's time slot, reveals a source on Tuesday, February 22. Wendy has taken time away from 'The Wendy Williams Show' to deal with health battles and multiple hiatuses.
The source revealed that the news of Sherri’s new show was a huge shock to the talk show host Wendy. The sources said, "Wendy was blindsided … especially after the only language she has received from production has been messages of encouragement & that when she is ready to come back, they’re ready for her." The source said that without Wendy, it was costing the show and the network. "The show has been losing, has lost a lot of money. Wendy has been out for a considerable amount of time, and they’re contractually obligated to the FOX affiliates, because they pay money to carry the show," they said.
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The source continued, "At the beginning of the season, remember, Wendy was out, and then it was like, ‘Okay, she might come back in a couple weeks,’ and then it just kept getting pushed. So, you have to imagine how the affiliates are thinking about this because there are so many episodes that have to be produced per year." The source told Hollywoodlife, the news of 'The View' alum replacing Wendy's show has probably surprised her. "In one sense, she can’t say that she’s blindsided, because, like, what did you expect?". "But at the same time, she’s thinking she’s going to get better. And the show keeps telling her ‘Oh, we can’t wait to come back. So this is the situation. I imagine that’s why she feels blindsided by this," said the source.
After announcing that Sherri Shepherd will get Wendy's time slot, Debmar-Mercury co-presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein wishing Wendy a quick recovery said that they "hope to be able to work with Wendy again in the future." Meanwhile, Sherri Shepherd took to Twitter to announce her own 'SHERRI' show that will premiere in September 2022. She thanked Debmar-Mercury, executive producer JawnMurray and showrunner David Perler in her Twitter post.
Thanks Debmar-Mercury (Ira Bernstein pictured); my new Executive Producer @JawnMurray; and to my EP/showrunner David Perler.
— Sherri Shepherd (@sherrieshepherd) February 22, 2022
The “SHERRI” show will premiere this September. More details coming! #SherriShepherd (📸’s by @AndrewWerner) pic.twitter.com/tMi9Bra0sp
Wendy’s spokesperson Howard Bragman issued a statement saying, "It’s been a challenging time for Wendy as she deals with her health issues. She is incredibly grateful to Debmar-Mercury, to Sherri and everybody else who has supported the show through this time." Bragman continued, "She, more than anyone, understands the reality of syndicated television — you can’t go to the marketplace and sell a show that’s The Maybe Wendy Show. She understands why this decision was made from a business point of view, and she has been assured by Debmar-Mercury that should her health get to a point where she can host again and should her desire be that she hosts again that she would be back on TV at that time."
A few hours after Wendy's spokesperson issued a statement, Wendy took to her Instagram story and asked Howard not to speak for her on this matter on February 22. She wrote, "Mr Bragman although I appreciate your concerns and respect you immensely. I have not authorized you to make any statements on my behalf regarding my current status with Debmar Mercury. Again thanks for your continuing concern and support."