Word leaking out of OPRAH WINFREY’s Harpo Productions says she might play a surprise wild card in the Who-Succeeds-Her Sweepstakes – and would you believe… ELLEN DEGENERES?
Despite lobbying by best pal GAYLE KING and TYRA BANKS for Oprah’s afternoon time slot, an insider reveals, Oprah knows good friend Ellen’s track record makes her the best choice for sustaining Oprah-level ratings.
“And even though Oprah doesn’t have a pony in the race, since Ellen’s not a part of Harpo, she knows that if she helps Ellen build her brand, they might join forces down the road,” said the source. “On top of that, Oprah likes to back a winner.”
Interestingly, Ellen’s contract with NBC runs out at the same time as Oprah’s in 2011, “so she can slide right in.”
As for best pal Gayle, Oprah can always reward her with a show on the new OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network). Stay tuned.
