You didn’t really think she would stay away forever, did you?
The rumors that have been flying around for months have finally been confirmed: Rosie O’Donnell is returning to the airwaves as host of her own TV variety show titled “Rosie’s Variety Hour.” (Original, huh?)
According to Variety, O’Donnell’s new show will debut on November 26th on NBC. Right now the peacock network is airing the pre-Thanksgiving show as a network special, but execs say if the ratings are strong the hour-long show could become a permanent part of NBC’s primetime line-up.
Producers say the comedian plans to fill her show with a host of celebrity guests, comedy skits, musical acts and O’Donnell’s signature feature–a prize giveaway for both the show’s in-studio and at-home audiences.
“It’s going to be the YouTube of variety shows,” said an NBC spokesman.
The new nighttime gig will be the first for O’Donnell, who hasn’t been on the airwaves on a regular basis since she split from the ladies on “The View” in May 2007. Since her controversial parting the 46-year-old actress has made appearances on “Nip/Tuck” and just last week she showed up in an over-the-top sketch on the new HBO series “Little Britain,” playing herself at a mock Weight Watchers meeting.
BILLY JOEL RETURNS A FAVOR
Here’s yet another reason to love award-winning singer Billy Joel.
The New York native dug deep this week to assist the family of a clam-digger whose body was found not far from his Long Island mansion.
According to news reports, the body of a man known in the community as a long time fisherman and clam-digger was found floating off a Long Island Sound beach on Monday, six days after he was reported missing. Joel, who has a house in nearby Centre Island, confirmed to reporters that he made a donation to the North Oyster Bay Baymen’s Association to help the man’s family with funeral and other expenses.
While the singer refused to say how much he donated, he did note that residents on Long Island owe a debt of gratitude to the men who make their living off the sea. Joel has long championed the cause of Long Island fishermen using them as the inspiration for songs such as “The Downeaster Alexa.”
Michele Cheplic writes about red-hot celebrities in POP CULTURE, fiery topics in PARENTS, sizzling recipes in FOOD, calorie burning exercises in FITNESS, and hot new kid-friendly crafts in FUN. Check out all of her articles here.