Wendy Williams Show reveals Sherri Shepherd & more guest hosts in 2022 as sources insist star will ‘NEVER return’ to TV
THE Wendy Williams Show has announced more guest hosts for 2022 despite sources claiming that Sherri Shepherd is the "frontrunner" to replace Wendy on the talk show.
The 57-year-old host hasn't returned to her duties on the long-running broadcast since dealing with a string of health issues.
However, it was revealed that the show will continue with other celebrity guests including Sherri in the new year lineup.
Well-known names such as Fat Joe and Remy Ma, Michael Rapaport, Kym Whitley, and Finesse Mitchell, each have slots on the schedule for January.
Sherri is scheduled to return to the purple chair to close out the end of the month as expected.
The show's executive producer David Perler addressed the decision in a press release: “We’re looking forward to producing new and exciting shows in 2022 and we can’t wait to return in the new year with all of our guest hosts.
“Each of the outstanding guest hosts brings a unique and distinctive style to the successful ‘Wendy' format with their individual personalities while also making sure that Wendy’s show remains consistent for the loyal Wendy watchers.”
The news comes after sources claimed that fan favorite Sherri was "officially taking over" for the New Jersey native.
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The Wendy Williams Show previously announced that the comedian will be the fill-in to host for the final weeks before the holiday break.
While reported Wendy’s production company is looking for a replacement host, a source added to The Sun that the job is “Sherri’s to lose. She is the number one choice.”
Leah Remini guest hosted for two weeks, followed by Sherri-and the show insider called these stretches "auditions."
The source continued: “The deal will be done in the next few weeks and announced in January.
"Sherri is the frontrunner, and staff think it's all but a done deal with her."
The Sun previously reported that The Nick Cannon Show was possibly going to slide into Wendy’s time slot, but the source said Nick's ratings have been on the decline, while Wendy’s numbers are going up in spite of her longtime absence.
DECLINING HEALTH
While the show's Instagram has released several explanations as to why the TV personality hasn’t returned, reports began to circulate that she has been suffering from the effects of early onset dementia.
However, Wendy's younger brother Tommy, 54, exclusively told The Sun that his famous sister has not been “displaying that type of behavior" to the family.
He said: “We haven't had any alerts like that and I haven't seen anything like that or have had conversations with her that would lead me to believe that.
“We routinely go up and check on Wendy even though we're all down here in Florida.
“I try to make it up there and my dad speaks with Wendy frequently.
"So no, we don't have any concerns concerning her mental state. It’s all physical."
Wendy has previously revealed she suffers from thyroid disorder Graves' Disease and lymphedema, which gives her swollen ankles and makes it difficult for her to walk even two blocks.
She has also admitted in the past to struggling with alcoholism and substance abuse, and last checked into rehab in 2019.
WENDY SPEAKS OUT
The host took to on November 8 to break her silence and tell her fans: "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."
"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."
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