NEWSSherri Shepherd Will Be 'Reaching Out' To Wendy Williams' Distraught Fans As The Actress Prepares To Take Over Show Slot: Source
Sherri Shepherd has been gearing up to permanently take over The Wendy Williams Show.
Everyone behind the scenes at the daytime show has reportedly been "smart and strategic” in easing the actress, 54, into her new role as talk show host while Wendy Williams continues to focus on her health in Florida. (The ailing host shared a video last week of herself walking on a beach in Florida while insisting she'll be coming back "stronger" than ever.)
"Sherri has to walk a tight rope between being her own woman and respecting what Wendy has accomplished," an insider close to production told The Sun. "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," the source insisted to the outlet. "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."
Shepherd's subtle and respectful approach towards the daytime diva's loyal fans is key, as the Think Like A Man star's devoted followers have expressed how distraught they are over Williams, 57, allegedly not returning to her show after first stepping back in September due to "ongoing health issues."
- Wendy Williams Requests 'Meeting' With Replacement Host Sherri Shepherd
- Sherri Shepherd Insists She Doesn't Know When Wendy Williams Will Return Hours Before Producers Confirm Talk Show Cancellation
- Sherri Shepherd Does Not Have Wendy Williams' 'Blessing' To Take Over Talk Show Permanently, Ailing Host Is 'Extremely Jealous': Source
As OK! previously reported, when reports surfaced that Williams' show would be canceled in June and return in September as The Sherri Shepherd Show — fans took to Twitter to share their mixed reactions.
"I wish she was able to end the show on her own terms. She's forever going to be a tv icon tho," one fan noted, as another added: "Despite all her controversies over the years, Wendy Williams is a legend and deserves her flowers."
Following Williams' over-six-month absence from her namesake talk show, producers and execs have reportedly made the decision to hand the show over to the 30 Rock star. "It is really now Sherri’s show," an insider told the outlet. “Sherri is in it to win it. She knows this is the opportunity of a lifetime.”
Shepherd began guest hosting the show in the Fall of 2021 after the former radio DJ — who sources say has ignored calls and emails from producers — kept delaying her return due to her health woes, including complications from Graves' Disease, a thyroid condition, a breakthrough COVID-19 case, as well as a hospitalization stint for psychiatric services.
