Wendy Williams addresses "challenging time" after cancellation of talk show
New York, New York - Wendy Williams has confirmed that her long-running talk show, The Wendy Williams Show, will end after its 14th season.
Alas, it seems that fans of the popular daytime show won't hear the classic "How you doin'?" greeting from the beloved host anymore – at least for now.
Amid her lengthy-absence from her series, it has been announced that the talk show will be ending after its 14th season.
Wendy addressed the news via her rep Howard Bragman, who made an official statement to People.
"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," he began, referncing Sherri Shepherd, who has been one of the guest hosts who filled in for Wendy during her absence.
He 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'."
Bragman concluded, "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."
While the news is upsetting as the host has been greatly missed, it also isn't that surprising, given her health struggles over the past six months.
Enter Sherri!
But from Wendy's statement, it doesn't look like the former radio host plans on being gone for long.
During her absence, the 56-year-old had a plethora of talented guest hosts step up and run the show in her honor.
Shepherd in particular stood out and she was rumored to be a permanent guest host Wendy's show in the fall.
But it seems that the former The View host has instead landed her own talk show that will debut this fall and will replace Wendy's former time slot.
Shepherd shared the exciting news via statement also obtained by People.
"OMG! I am so excited to have my dream come true and debut my very own talk show SHERRI in the fall. I can't wait until I return to NY to host the show and merge everything I love…pop culture, talk, entertainment and comedy. I am thankful to Debmar-Mercury and FOX for partnering with me on this show and look forward to this new journey," she revealed.
As they say, when one door closes, another door opens. Will Sherri's upcoming daytime show be as much of a success as her predecessor's?
Cover photo: Collage: IMAGO/ZUMA Wire & ZUMA Wire