Nick could take Wendy spot

NICK Cannon could potentially take over Wendy Williams’ time slots if ailing Williams does not return to her talk show, according to sources.

“The executives have been talking,” said a source. “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,” a source close to the show told Page Six.

The source added: “It would not be a far stretch for Nick to take her time slot . . . Debmar-Mercury [the production company behind both shows] is really pushing to make Nick Cannon’s show a huge success. He already has a major platform and a huge fan base, so it is an easy win. So, if Wendy’s show ends up being a no-go, their backup plan is already set.”

On Thursday, Williams’ Season 13 premiere was moved again, this time to Oct. 18. The show was previously set to premiere Monday, and before that, on Sept. 20.

Other TV sources point out that simply plugging Cannon’s show into Williams’ time slot could be complex. Both shows are syndicated — meaning individual station groups would have to make the decision to replace her show with his. Said a source, “It’s likely they would make a deal, but it’s a station-tostation decision.”

Williams, 57, contracted COVID-19 in September, and in the same month was also taken to a hospital for a mental health check. A source told us earlier in the week that her physical ailments weren’t the reason for the delay in the show.

“To be honest with you Wendy is going through a lot right now,” said another source.

There has been speculation that if Williams does return, she will address her health issues in a “Hot Topics” segment “even juicier” than usual.

Reps for Williams’ show did not get back to us.