According to Page Six, Nick Cannon is in line to replace Wendy Williams’ timeslot if the gossip maven does not return to her show in time for the Season 13 premiere on Oct. 18. “The executives have been talking,” a source revealed to the outlet. “They are keeping a close eye on [Williams’] recovery and hoping for the best. But they have pushed back [her] show premiere several times so they are already thinking of a backup plan.”
The source continued, “It would not be a far stretch for Nick to take her time slot … Debmar-Mercury [which produces both shows] is really pushing to make Nick Cannon’s show a huge success.” Cannon, according to the source, “already has a major platform, and a huge fanbase, so it is an easy win,” if Williams decides she’s not ready to come back. However, because both talk shows are syndicated, stations could have trouble replacing Williams’ show with Cannon’s, but deals could be set up for a smooth transition.
Page Six also notes that a replacement might not be needed if Williams comes back on time and that Cannon would go from replacement host to a potential guest on the show.
