Wendy Williams To Be Replaced By Leah Remini For Talk Show's Premiere Week While Host Deals With 'Serious' Health Complications
Leah Remini will be stepping in as the first guest host in place of Wendy Williams.
On Tuesday, October 12, it was announced that the talk show host would not be returning for the premiere of Season 13 of The Wendy Williams Show due to an ongoing health crisis.
The show’s Instagram account revealed at the time that a series of guest hosts and panels would be filling in for the TV personality starting on Monday, October 18.
A follow-up Instagram post on Thursday, October 14, revealed that the first co-host for the show’s premiere week would be none other than the King of Queens actress.
“Co-hosts! We’re excited to announce that Emmy winning-producer, New York Times best seller and ‘Friend to the Show’ @LeahRemini will guest host The Wendy Williams Show for the very first time on Tuesday (10/19), Wednesday (10/20), Thursday (10/21) and Friday (10/22),” the caption read.
The page also announced four panelists who will be featured on the first week of the new season, including Bevy Smith, Michael Yo, Elizabeth Wagmeister and Devyn Simone.
“We 💜 you for watching!,” the post concluded.
The show gave an update on Williams’ health in the post on Tuesday, where it was revealed that the host is still dealing with “serious complications” from her existing medical conditions.
“Wendy continues to be under medical supervision and meets with her medical advisor on a daily basis,” the announcement earlier this week stated. “She is making progress but is experiencing serious complications as a result of Graves’ Disease and her thyroid condition. It has been determined that more time is needed before she is able to return to her live hosting duties.”
As OK! previously reported, fans have been getting antsy while awaiting Williams’ return to the show, and some are even demanding answers on the matter.
“Tell us the damn truth. What’s going on with Wendy?,” one user wrote, while others suggested that she take the rest of the year off from her hosting job.
Other fans pushed for the show to be cancelled altogether, with one writing: “I understand the money and jobs behind this but it's time for the show to come to a close. Wendy's health and life is more important ❤️❤️.”
Another person insisted, ““Cancel the show Wendy ! Stop holding on to something god clearly wants you to end, get well and stay well ❤️.”
