Inside Wendy Williams Show’s transition to Sherri Shepherd’s series as comic ‘permanently’ takes over for ailing host
THE WENDY Williams Show’s transition into new host Sherri Shepherd’s own series will be subtle and gradual, The Sun can reveal.
A source claimed execs and producers are being "smart and strategic” in how Sherri will take over from the ailing daytime diva, who has been seeking help for a variety of health issues.
Sherri will have to balance making the show her own while also winning over Wendy's die-hard fans, the insider explained.
“Sherri has to walk a tight rope between being her own woman and respecting what Wendy has accomplished.
"Expect no major changes to the show itself. They want everything to feel familiar.
"Over the next few weeks, Sherri will reach out to Wendy’s fans.
"She wants to invite them along on this next chapter. You’ll see fan events with Sherri, Zoom calls and she’s going to FaceTime viewers.
As The Sun previously reported, one insider said Sherri’s role as “permanent guest host” is in name only, so as not to upset fans.
“It is really now Sherri’s show," the insider said.
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Moving on without Wendy
A source close to The Wendy Williams Show said that Wendy refusing to return calls or emails left producers with no other option than to move on with Sherri without her blessing.
The insider added that production will wait to remove Wendy's logos and signs until September or even October, in deference to fans who are still holding out hope.
As one production source put it: “Sherri is in it to win it. She knows this is the opportunity of a lifetime.”
As The Sun previously reported, Wendy has not been expected to return to her show for some time now, and Sherri has been anticipated as her replacement for months.
Wendy's health struggle
As The Sun previously reported, the daytime presenter has been battling a health crisis for months.
Sources have said the once witty, sharp host of The Wendy Williams Show isn't the same as she used to be as she battles multiple medical problems, including addiction, Graves' disease, and Covid.
A source close to the show told The Sun: “The spark is gone. That Wendy, who for ten years had that spark in her eyes, that cheeky grin and that little wink is not the same now.”
The insider added some days are better than others for the once feisty daytime diva.
“She’s not always functioning like she used to be. She has days where she needs help eating, getting out of bed and getting dressed."
Even more heartbreaking, the source added, she doesn’t always recognize people whom she’s known for years.
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“There are people who Wendy knows, who have worked closely with her, and there are days that she has no idea who they are.”
Wendy has not appeared on her show since July 2021, and the series has been hosted by a rotating cast of celebrity guests including Sherri, Michael Rapaport, Leah Remini and Michelle Visage.
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