Wendy Williams’ absence from her talk show will continue for months to come, People reports. Williams, 57, has been out at “The Wendy Williams Show” since the start of the 13th season this past fall.
The report says she will not be back before the end of the season. The talk show host from Jersey is suffering from complications of Graves’ disease, an autoimmune condition that affects her thyroid, and previously tested positive for COVID-19.
The People report cites a source close to the situation.
“Wendy won’t be returning to the show for the rest of this season,” they told the outlet. “Her healing is going slower than everyone had hoped. She continues to deal with a number of medical issues, including Graves’ disease, and she and her team are taking it one day at a time.”
In the meantime, TMZ reports that Sherri Shepherd, a former host of “The View,” has been all but booked as a “permanent” guest host.
Shepherd’s guest-hosting gig on Williams’ show was particularly well-received after she was one of a series of temporary hosts.
If Williams returns in the fall, Shepherd, 54, can leave, but if Williams is still absent, sources told TMZ the name of Williams’ show may change to reflect Shepherd’s continued presence.
The People source denied that Williams’ absence had anything to do with drugs or addiction, which she has dealt with in the past, and debunked rumors that the host had a stroke or dementia.
“Whether Wendy can return in the fall will depend on how her healing goes over the summer,” they said. “Her health is the most important thing.”
In September, Williams, a former Livingston and Montclair resident who grew up in Ocean Township, tested positive for COVID-19 in a breakthrough case after she was vaccinated.
The season premiere of the talk show was delayed from September to October. While the show returned, Williams did not.
The host has previously taken time off from her show because of complications of Graves’ disease.
Guest hosts of “The Wendy Williams Show” this month include Shepherd, Remy Ma, Fat Joe, Terrence J, Bevy Smith, and Michael Rapaport. Leah Remini, Jerry Springer, and Newark native Bill Bellamy have also served as guest hosts.
