Sherri Shepherd, 56, the new face of daytime talk, is reportedly shaking up the status quo. According to insiders, Shepherd intends to overhaul the staff she inherited from her predecessor, Wendy Williams, potentially leading to a wave of dismissals and replacements with her trusted confidantes.
Shepherd assumed control of Williams' daytime slot in July 2021 amidst Williams' two-year struggle with health issues and drug addiction. Despite Williams' claims of a comeback, the show has since been rebranded as "Sherri" and recently saw its renewal through the 2024-25 season by FOX television stations.
An insider revealed to National Enquirer, "Sherri wanted to prove herself and didn’t want to rock the boat too much when she first got there, but now she’s ready to put her own stamp on the show.” As Shepherd readies to assert her influence, the mood among the staff is reportedly tense, with many fearing their jobs are on the line.
Meanwhile, Williams, 58, is yet to bounce back after nearly 14 years as the show's host. Amid speculation of a new project and sightings with video crews around New York City, the reality of her situation seems less rosy. Recent financial strains led her to auction off memorabilia from her former show, including her famous purple chair. Insiders suggest that Williams is considering relocating to the West Coast to avoid run-ins with Shepherd.
Interestingly, Andy Cohen, the Bravo boss, revealed in his new book, "The Daddy Diaries: The Year I Grew Up," that Williams approached him about joining the cast of "The Real Housewives of New York City". However, this conversation didn't progress. He wrote, "If she [Williams] is struggling with mental health issues, though, this isn’t the time... So the conversation didn’t go anywhere.”
Despite this revelation, Williams has previously expressed on her show that she wouldn't join the "Real Housewives" franchise, citing her desire for privacy. With her ongoing health, financial, and family-related troubles, Williams' future in the public eye remains uncertain, as she navigates a changing media landscape and personal challenges.