Will Wendy Williams be replaced by Nick Cannon? Sick TV host hasn't extended contract
Due to her failing health, Wendy Williams is yet to sign a contract that extends her talk show beyond this season. The buzz is that if she doesn’t return to the show, New York executives are prepared to slide 'The Nick Cannon Show' into Wendy’s 10 am time slot.
Sources told The Sun: “If 'The Wendy Williams Show' ends or she doesn’t come back to the show, they would feel comfortable sliding Nick into the 10 am slot which immediately follows the local news broadcast. That is the plan for filling the time in the New York market. Other stations around the country that similarly carry both shows back-to-back will likely follow New York’s lead." A second source revealed that there still has not been any confirmation of renewal for the 'Wendy Williams Show' beyond the current season. According to another insider, distribution execs are most likely waiting to see how ratings turn out if and when she returns. “It really all depends on what her ratings look like at that point. Right now, they’ve been stronger than expected without her,” the second insider added.
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Wendy Williams hoping to 'return to my purple chair'
Williams is yet to grace the stage this new season. The 57-year-old took to Instagram on Monday, November 8, and told her fans: "HOW YOU DOIN’? I MISS YOU ALL! As everyone knows, my health has been a hot topic. I’m making progress but it’s just one of those things that’s taking longer than we expected. I’m a woman of a certain age, and I know enough to listen to my doctors and will return to my purple chair as soon as we all agree I’m ready."
Wendy continued: "I want to thank all of my staff and our guest hosts for stepping up and stepping in while I can’t be there. I also want to thank Debmar-Mercury and our stations for being so understanding and supportive while I work my way back. Most of all, I want to thank my fans. I have heard your prayers and comments and feel all the love! You are everything to me. I love spending my mornings with you all and I’m doing everything I can to get back to work, but right now Wendy has to focus on Wendy. I love you for watching..."
'Never the intent' to replace Wendy Williams
While chatting on the set of 'The Nick Cannon Show,' the 40-year-old opened up to Extra’s Rachel Lindsay about rumors that he was going to replace the iconic talk show host. Lindsay asked him, “There's been a lot of talk about this show maybe replacing 'The Wendy Williams Show.' I know that's your friend. Can you set the record straight here on Extra?”
Cannon replied, “I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the queen Wendy Williams. It's not even crossed my mind about replacing her because that was never the mission or the intent.” He said having his own talk show was always a dream for him. “Truly was. I'm excited. It's so much fun,” he said. “It's truly a blessing to be welcomed into people's homes.”