Wendy Williams is still on hiatus due to health concerns, but the show is seemingly going on without her– and improving.
According to The Wrap, since Season 13 of the daytime show returned on Oct. 18, ratings on The Wendy Williams Show have increased dramatically.
The week ending the 24th had a ratings climb of 33%. Guest hosts included Devyn Simone, Bevy Smith and Leah Remini. Wendy reportedly wasn’t too fond of Remini hosting her show. She hasn’t been pleased with changes being made without her approval.
“No one asked Wendy for her approval before hiring Leah,” a source told Radar Online. “They will say they are protecting Wendy and don’t want to bother her as she recovers, but it’s her name that is above the front door, and she should have been consulted on this.” Remini is only hosting through the end of this week, and producers haven’t announced who else will host the show.
“It is a disaster,” the source continued. “CNN’s Don Lemon and several other hosts have already passed on joining the lineup. The last time Wendy was replaced with panels of D-list celebrities, the ratings were a disaster. No one wants to see Bevy Smith or Michael Yo. They want to see Wendy. It is a thankless job that has a very good chance of upsetting Wendy if you take it.”
Wendy was allegedly “livid” when Jerry O’Connell filled in for her because she thought he was only auditioning for his show. He was later hired to replace Sharon Osborne on The Talk.
The Wrap reported that Remini hosted for four days and her appearance, and The Wendy Williams Show jumped from eighth place to fifth– behind Dr. Phil, Kelly Clarkson, Live With Kelly and Ryan and Ellen.
There’s still no confirmation of when the daytime diva will return.
