Fergie, Duchess of Talk

Thu., Jun. 13, 2002 2:10 PM PDT by Bridget Byrne

Fergie's hoping to become the Duchess of Talk.

That's the latest reincarnation for Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, once cruelly monikered the Duchess of Pork by the British tabloid press but now the svelte pitchperson for Weight Watchers.

On Wednesday, the British ex-royal inked a deal with Universal Television Enterprises to host Fergie, a talk show planned for syndication in fall 2003.

"I enjoy being with people, so I'll feel in my element with a daily talk show," the famous redhead says in a statement. "I am constantly inspired by the many people I meet, and I'd like to be part of an exciting television program that celebrates life and the human spirit."

The 42-year-old ebullient mother of two insists, "I'm not talent, I'm not a celebrity, I'm not an actress, I am just me." It was her emphasis on "me" rather than the royal "we," coupled with her not very proper romantic liaisons and extravagant spending sprees, that upset her royal in-laws and led to her divorce from Prince Andrew, second son of Queen Elizabeth II.

But "me" sells big here in America, where the common-born Fergie has become popular for the candor and verve she has displayed in public and on television when pushing the Weight Watchers credo or seeking funds for her Chances for Children charity foundation. (The offices for her charity were located on the 101st floor of the World Trade Center, destroyed by the terrorist attacks on September 11--Ferguson was reportedly en route when the planes hit.)

Amy Rosenblum--executive producer of Maury, who will produce Ferguson's hourlong show--says Fergie will be "variety with a heart."

Ferguson is a fan of the heart-to-heart style of chat personified by Oprah Winfrey and the recently retired Rosie O'Donnell, but has also looked for inspiration to another softballer, Larry King, and has occasionally appeared as substitute host on his CNN show. She has acted as a correspondent for NBC's Today show and briefly headed up her own Sarah, Surviving Life talk show for Britain's Sky One Television. She has also written an autobiography and several self-help and children's books.

Pushing Fergie's image as someone just like us, Steve Rosenberg, Universal Television Enterprises president, described the duchess as "the person next door" and expressed the belief that her "inspirational stories of survival" would have broad appeal to viewers. (And, presumably, attract like-minded guests willing to spill the beans of their loves and losses, ups and downs, gaffes and triumphs.)

"We will work together to develop a show that captures her warmth, humor, honesty and passion for life," Rosenberg said in confirming the long-rumored plans of a Ferguson talker.

Despite her household-name status, Fergie may have a hard time cracking the tough syndicated daytime talk show market, where ratings continue to tumble. One of her rivals for air space will be Ellen DeGeneres who has also announced plans to debut a talk show in 2003.

Because Ferguson divides her time between her work in the U.S. and her duties back in England as mother to Princess Beatrice, 13, and Princess Eugenie, 12, the show will be shot in New York on what UTE calls "a flexible and compact taping schedule [that] will enable her to juggle the demands of motherhood and her career."