Wendy Williams’ Return to Show ‘Taking Longer’ Than Expected as She Battles Ongoing Health Issues

Wendy Williams’ health recovery is “taking longer” than expected, sources say,

At the start of Season 13 of “The Wendy Williams Show,” several guest hosts, including Sherri Shepherd, Michael Rappaport and more, have sat in Williams’ place as she settles ongoing health issues. The show’s premiere was pushed back from September to October as she dealt with her health, and now it seems she may not make a return until 2022.

Page Six reports that her recovery is “taking longer” than expected, and a source told the news outlet that “producers are already trying to line up guest hosts through December.” Williams has reportedly been very “lonely” with no family around her for support as she battles Graves’ disease. However, a source says they are “optimistic” that she will be back to the talk show before the end of the year.

Williams released a statement on social media, saying that she would be back “as soon as” she and her doctors say she is good to go. “HOW YOU DOIN’? I MISS YOU ALL! As everyone knows, my health has been a hot topic. I’m making progress but it’s just one of those things that’s taking longer than we expected,” said Williams.

“I’m a woman of a certain age, and I know enough to listen to my doctors and will return to my purple chair as soon as we all agree I’m ready,” she went on. “I want to thank all of my staff and our guest hosts for stepping up and stepping in while I can’t be there.”