The 13th season of the Wendy Williams Show has been pushed back to premiere on October 18 due to the host's ongoing health battles, but the show will go on without her. Williams is dealing with a "serious" illness and won't be returning to host her show for the time being. A variety of substitute guest hosts will be on board to kick off the season and continue the Hot Topics segment.
From stress related to her failed marraige to passing out on set, to the onset of Graves disease and losing her mom, to COVID-19, she has had a difficult time over the last few years.
Her fans and production company have not given up on her.
“Wendy is a valued and stalwart member of the Debmar-Mercury family and has been so for 12 years. We want her health to be her top priority,” the production company said in a statement.
The show will air originals with temporary hosts starting on Monday, Oct. 18. Fans can expectvto see her again at some point.
“As soon as she’s ready, she will be back in her treasured purple chair. We very much appreciate the respect for Wendy’s privacy, as well as all the good wishes from her fans, station partners and advertisers,” the statement continued. For the time being the show will feature panels.
Guest hosts next week will include Leah Remini, Michael Yo. The week begins with a panel of co-hosts including Yo, Bevy Smith, and Elizabeth Wagmeister. For the remainder of the week Remini will asume jsting duties. Look for the show to announce new fill ins on social media.