Wendy Williams Makes Triumphant Return To TV Following Her 3-Week Mandatory Hiatus Due To Battle With Graves' Disease
Wendy Williams returns to the daytime television landscape following her three-week mandatory hiatus. The Emmy-nominated host was recovering from hyperthyroidism and Graves' disease.
Welcome Back, Wendy
Williams's studio audience roared with delight as she walked out to the show's peppy theme song. The host, who wore a pink dress with flowers stamped on it and a white top, raced over to the purple chair and dove into Hot Topics.
Her co-hosts screamed 'Wendy! Wendy! Wendy!' as she sat on her throne. She briefly touched on Hot Topics such as countless celebrity divorces and Tamar Braxton's new look. Williams also shared her belief that Cardi B is not pregnant.
She also broke down several times during the homecoming episode. The first time happened when she thanked her staff and her husband, Kevin Hunter.
Williams revealed that her husband contacted television personality and surgeon, Dr. Mehmet Oz, for a second opinion. Oz, who was Williams's first guest, explained to the audience how Graves' disease affected the host's thyroid.
Williams is expected to have a busy first week as she comes back to her show. The show's official website has teased that several big names would be heading to the show. Returning guests Erika Jayne, Teyana Taylor, and Jussie Smollett are set to sit down for an interview with Williams.
Meanwhile, Matthew Knowles, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter's estranged father, is scheduled to conclude her comeback week on Friday, March 23. It will be Matthew's first appearance on the show.
Thank You, Jerry
Before Williams walked out of her set's double doors and returned to her beloved purple chair, actor and fan-favorite guest Jerry O'Connell entertained the audience as her very first substitute host last week. Despite rumors stating that Williams shut down the possibility of having a guest host, the former radio personality gave her blessing to O'Connell.
One significant moment from O'Connell's time as the substitute host included getting a longtime friend and Live with Kelly and Ryan co-host Kelly Ripa to admit her love of trolling Instagram trolls. O' Connell also had candid conversations with Ruben Studdard and Carson Kressley. He even danced with O'Rourke Irish Dancers during the March 16 broadcast.
According to People Magazine, O'Connell stated that he was blown away when Williams called to check in on him. O'Connell, who has been a longtime supporter of The Wendy Williams Show, was gobsmacked when he received the phone call.
"I was so excited. I would never call her up, and obviously, she took a few weeks off to get well, so I didn't want to bug her with anything. But she called me yesterday and so encouraging and so fun. I've been a fan of hers for so long," said O'Connell.
The Mandatory Hiatus
On Feb. 21, Williams revealed to her co-hosts that her doctor had asked her to go on a mandatory three-week hiatus. The host also stated that she had severe times sleeping and swallowing.
Also, she also admitted that she was having a difficult time dealing with Graves' disease and menopause.
