Fergie Eyes Day Job As TV Talk Show Host

By Jenny Hontz

HOLLYWOOD (Variety) - Oprah Winfrey soon may have some real royal competition for her title as Queen of Daytime Talk. The Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, is planning to meet with several Hollywood studios to discuss the possibility of her hosting a daily daytime talk show for 1997.

Several syndicators, including Rupert Murdoch's Twentieth TV and Disney's Buena Vista TV, have expressed serious interest in such a talkshow with Ferguson. Sources say ABC also is considering the idea as a possible replacement for its struggling talker Caryl & Marilyn.

None of the studios nor ABC would comment.

Aside from a talk show, industry sources say ABC also is close to signing a deal to have Ferguson host at least one primetime special that's described as "adventures with the duchess." More specials could follow.

Hollywood interest in Ferguson was ignited in part by her recent PrimeTime Live interview with Diane Sawyer, which drew a 14.1 rating and 24 share, up four share points from the show's season average.

Ferguson spokesman Howard Rubenstein confirmed that Ferguson is "considering" a daytime talk show, among other showbusiness prospects. Distributors said International Creative Management is setting up the meetings, but the talent agency did not return phone calls seeking comment.

"She's been getting a great many offers" but has made no firm commitments, Rubenstein said. "Ever since her media tour, interest has escalated. Crowds are building at each of her book signings. Her image has changed dramatically."

Details of the format are undetermined. Sources said no one's even sure whether such a show would be shot in London or the U.S. While Ferguson is showing enough interest to meet with studios, it's unclear whether, in the end, she will want to tackle the rigorous schedule of a daily talk show.

"Her primary concern is being close to her children," Rubenstein said. "If this interferes seriously, she will opt not to do it, but there may be ways of working it out."

If Ferguson does agree to dive into daytime, there is likely to be a feeding frenzy among hit-starved distributors, which are searching for stars to host talkshows. Obviously, the saga of the British royal family draws tremendous interest among the U.S. public.

There's also little risk that Ferguson will stoop to the trash-talk tactics that draw the ire of cultural watchdog Bill Bennett and many advertisers. But insiders caution that having someone famous host a talk show does not necessarily translate into success. Many stars have tried unsuccessfully to host talk shows, including Whoopi Goldberg and Chevy Chase.

Despite those failures, syndicators are looking with hope to the example of The Rosie O'Donnell Show, which is the only instant hit of the past few seasons.

"Everyone will be interested in this," one studio source said. "The question is, 'Will she do it?"'

Reuters/Variety