Wendy Williams has been off the air since December due to health problems. But, her talk show – The Wendy Williams Show – has continued with a parade of guest hosts. And, according to a new report, comedian Steve Harvey is ready to steal the show if FOX forces Williams out.
Radar Online is reporting that Harvey is not happy since NBC replaced his show Steve with Kelly Clarkson’s upcoming new show on stations throughout the country, and he could be ready to take Williams’ place.
Nick Cannon gives emotional update on Wendy Williams https://t.co/g8jo3sUeOZ pic.twitter.com/PTeruwMcHx
— Page Six (@PageSix) February 4, 2019
When Williams first took a break for a mysterious health issue, it was believed that she would be returning to the show sooner rather than later. But, in the past few weeks, she has repeatedly pushed back her return date, and insiders say that network bigwigs are losing their patience.
It is rumored that the talk show host is suffering from Grave’s disease, but she has not confirmed the news.
With Williams’ future at FOX hanging “by a thread,” Radar says that network execs are looking at possible replacements, and Harvey is at the top of the list.
“It would take a very particular personality to step into Wendy’s shoes,” says an insider. “The FOX guys see Steve as a big enough name, and word in the industry is the way he’s been treated by NBC, he feels they don’t deserve him. They are considering a few people who could be a ratings hit, in case Wendy needs more time to get better.”
Another possible replacement could be current guest host Nick Cannon, who quickly signed on to take Williams’ place while she is taking a “necessary break.”
The source claims that Williams’ fans are “very particular,” so the network has to be careful who they choose as a possible replacement. CNN host Don Lemon only lasted a week because fans “didn’t take well” to him.
The guest host parade will continue this week with Cannon, Orange is the New Black actor Jason Biggs, and Keke Palmer. And, next week, former The View co-host Sherri Shepherd, actor Michael Rapaport, and Bravo host Jerry O’Connell are all scheduled to fill in.
If Williams can’t make her way back to the morning talk show, and Harvey steps in, he could end up going head to head with The Kelly Clarkson Show. Insiders say that he wants to win, and he isn’t going to let Clarkson “come out of nowhere” and “steal his time slot.”
Ummm … @NickCannon needs his own daytime talk show immediately ! Great job filling in for @WendyWilliams (who we still ❤️❤️❤️) pic.twitter.com/0V2bdpx6Mt
— jeffgep (@jeffgep) February 4, 2019
This means that a ratings war could be in the works.
As for Williams, Cannon says that the 54-year-old is “doing great,” and he considers it an honor to step in for her. However, he wishes her nothing but the best and continues to pray for her.
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The Wendy Williams Show airs in syndication each weekday on various stations throughout the U.S.
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