'The Tonight Show' Host Update: Chelsea Handler Denies Replacing Jimmy Fallon, Already Has Planned Talk Show
Chelsea Handler recently vehemently denied growing speculation that she may be angling for Jimmy Fallon's "The Tonight Show" gig behind the scenes.
"Um... I have a job. And a contract," the "Chelsea Lately" star recently posted on Twitter in response to all the rumors. The 40-year-old comedian is signed to host a show on Netflix starting in 2016.
Several media outlets have recently reported Handler was frantically trying to convince NBC execs to consider her for the "Tonight Show" job, should they decide to pull the plug on the suddenly fragile Fallon.
Over the last several weeks, talk of Fallon's purported drinking problem has gone from a whisper to nonstop chatter.
"Now his drunken antics are starting to cast a shadow over the show, Chelsea's informed NBC she's available to take over any time," a source said. "She's convinced it's only a matter of time before the network starts preparing for a back-up plan should Jimmy fail to rein in his boozing."
Just last month, the New York Post reported Fallon's party lifestyle appeared to be spiraling out of control and that he was "a mess." The host has had several injuries this year, three coming in just four months.
Handler recently told Variety her new Netflix show will be "broader" than "Chelsea Lately." She added she expects the broadcast to air on the streaming service twice a week and said it will be "in your face." She hosted "Chelsea Lately" for seven years beginning in 2007.
Before Fallon took over, sources indicate Handler was longtime "Tonight Show" host Jay Leno's top pick for the job and he had even taken to grooming her for the role.
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