Wendy Williams’ representatives are said to have issued a statement following the announcement that her talk show will be ending.
Wendy Williams, via her representative, speaks about her talk show officially ending and being replaced by Sherri Shepherd in an exclusive statement to Deadline. Following the announcement that Wendy Williams’ renowned daytime talk show will be ending after 14 seasons, a representative apparently spoke on her behalf.
The state of Wendy Williams’ talk show has been a pretty difficult ride for the last two years. With extensive absences due to rehab, a tumultuous divorce, and ongoing health concerns, there was a lot of speculation about whether the program would continue with Wendy as the host—and now the ultimate decision has been announced.
Wendy Williams’ talk show will come to an end after 14 seasons and 12 years. Her show has been officially canceled, and former ‘The View’ co-host Sherri Shepherd will take over her time slot.
Following the revelation, industry source Deadline claimed to have gotten an exclusive from her agent Howard Bragman, which read:
“Wendy is dealing with health concerns at the moment, and it’s been a difficult period for her.” She owes a debt of gratitude to Debmar-Mercury, Sherri, and everyone else who has helped the program along the way. She, more than anyone, understands the realities of syndicated television — you can’t go to the marketplace and sell a show called ‘The Maybe Wendy Show.
‘ She understands why this decision was made from a business standpoint, and she has been assured by Debmar-Mercury that if her health improves to the point where she can host again, and if her desire is to host again, she will be back on television at that time.”
Debmar-Mercury, the show’s co-presidents and distributors, expressed similar sentiments about the show. “Wendy blossomed into a true icon throughout her 12 fantastic seasons as the sole host of a live, daily talk show, and we all have a great love and affinity for her.”
We believe it is best for our fans, stations, and advertising partners to begin making this shift now because Wendy is currently unavailable to host the show as she continues her rehabilitation. We hope to work with Wendy again in the future, and we wish her a swift and complete recovery.”
Wendy Williams and her camp have yet to make an official announcement regarding when she will return to work.
