Wendy Williams Announces ‘Extended Break’ From Talk Show

NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 06: Wendy Williams wearing Kamali Kulture walks the runway at The Heart Truth's Red Dress Collection during Fall 2013 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week on February 6, 2013, NYC. (Credit: DepositPhotos)

Wendy Williams is stepping back from The Wendy Williams Show.

The television personality’s family released a statement on her behalf  Friday, sharing that she’ll take an “extended break” from filming to recover from “complications regarding her Graves’ disease that will require treatment.”

Williams will spend “significant time” in the hospital to treat her health issues.

“Wendy will be under the strict supervision of her physicians, and as part of her care, there will be significant time spent in the hospital,” the statement uploaded to Twitter reads. “Despite her strong desire to return, she is taking a necessary, extended break from her show to focus on her personal and physical well-being.”

The message concludes: “Wendy thanks everyone in advance for their well-wishes and for respecting her and The Hunter Family’s privacy during this time.”

Debmar-Mercury, the company that produces and distributes Wendy, added: “For over ten years, Wendy has been a vital part of the Debmar-Mercury family. We wholeheartedly support Wendy Williams in this decision to take the time she needs and we will welcome her back with open arms the moment she is ready.”

The company noted that the show will air “repeat episodes” the week of Jan. 21st, and will “produce original episodes with a variety of hosts” starting the week of Jan. 28.

Williams was supposed to return to work on Jan. 21, a week after her previously announced start date.

Production said the 54-year-old talk show host needed time to recover from a shoulder injury that she sustained in December, stating: “To our loyal Wendy Watchers – To allow enough time for her shoulder recovery, Wendy will now return on Monday, January 21.”

In light of Williams’ health problems, it’s not clear at this time when she’ll return to the show.