Panel, Leah Remini to fill in on ‘Wendy Williams’ for first week of delayed Season 13

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Former “King of Queens” star and “The Talk” co-host Leah Remini will be the first person to fill in for Season 13 of “The Wendy Williams Show” as the host continues to recovered from health issues.

Remini has been signed to host Tuesday, Oct. 19 to Friday, Oct. 22, 2021, though Friday editions of the show typically are taped on Thursday.

On Monday, Oct. 18, 2021, a panel including Devyn Simone, Bevy Smith, Elizabeth Wagmeister and Michael Yo will co-host the show using a “hot topics” panel style.

Remini, who starred as Carrie on “King of Queens,” is also seen on Game Show Network’s “People Puzzler” and headed up a documentary style show looking into the aftermath of people who escaped Scientology, a religion she was once an activate member in.

She was also a host on the first season of “The Talk” but departed under less than monogamous terms.

The show has now been delayed twice by almost a month to accompany what the show is classifying as ongoing health problems with the namesake host Wendy Williams.

This appears to include complications from Graves’ Disease and thyroid issues that Williams has live with for years, as well as a breakthrough COVID-19 case that likely would have prevented her from working due to TV production protocols.

It’s not clear if or when Williams will return to host. At least one report indicated that she was rushed to the hospital in some type of mental health crisis and the former radio jockey has been open with her battles with substance abuse and mental health in the past.

Debmar-Mercury, who produces the show, is reportedly working on contingency plans if Williams does not return, including replacing her with “Nick Cannon,” another show it produces.

Since Sept. 20, 2021, the show has been airing repeats. Encore presentations of talk shows typically don’t get as good as viewership as new ones, but Williams’ show is so tied into current events that it makes it even more difficult for fans to enjoy the show in repeats.

The show expects to name additional guest hosts and panels as needed.

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