Wendy Williams made her big return to television Monday after more than two months away.
Wearing a $2,200 Valentino dress, Williams opened the show with her signature “How you doing?” before telling viewers, “I’m doing better now, let’s get started!”
The 54-year-old gossip queen appeared in good spirits in a new sleek blond bob and wearing her wedding ring.
As for her absence, Williams divulged that her Graves’ disease sidelined her for weeks, adding, “I am happy to tell you that I’m doing swell.”
“I can’t even tell you how many doctors I have,” she said, acknowledging she went through a plethora of MRIs, CAT scans and blood pressure tests.
Perhaps in an effort to dismiss headlines claiming her absence was the result of husband Kevin Hunter’s alleged abusive behavior and affairs, Williams said he accompanied her to various medical appointments.
“I’m still very much in love with my husband,” she said. “Don’t ask me about mine.” Pointing to her wedding ring, Williams added, “It ain’t going anywhere. Not in this lifetime.
Of her time off, Williams said, “We’re spending time as a family — the Hunters. And I just wanted to take some time for myself … I am my own best friend.”
“I’m at home, and I’m taking my thyroid meds, and I’m meditating,” she explained. “Oh, believe me you. I’m going to the gym seven days a week for two hours a day.”
Williams made sure to point out that “Mother has not gained a pound” while off-air.
“I’m sorry it took me almost 50 days,” she said. “I know it’s been a long time. I’m sorry, but I can say, it’s not going to happen anymore, and I feel good!”
In December, Williams fractured her shoulder and appeared on television wearing a sling. In subsequent shows, Williams exhibited bizarre behavior — slurring her words and stumbling through her introductions. She later apologized.
The show went on winter hiatus and a return date for Williams was pushed back three times. In her absence, several stars filled in, including Nick Cannon, Michael Rapaport and Jerry O’Connell.
There was also chatter that Williams was “super scared” of losing her show as her stand-ins were earning applause from all over.
In late February, the show’s production company, Debar-Mercury, announced Williams would return on Monday, March 4.
“Salute to Debmar-Mercury for believing from the start and thanks to my staff for tirelessly holding it down for me,” Williams said in a statement at the time.
“The Wendy Williams Show” has been on the air for 10 years.
(Excerpt) Read more in: Page Six