Jenny du Jour wrote:

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Survivor Alum First Choice to Succeed Oprah as Talk Show Host

by Ben Grossman -- Broadcasting & Cable, 5/17/2008

Harpo Productions has targeted Survivor alum Cirie Fields to replace Oprah Winfrey in 2011, according to people familiar with the talks.

Fields is Harpo's favorite to take over from Winfrey, who currently hosts the highest-rated talk show in America.

Harpo Productions chief James Erwin says he doesn't expect to make an announcement anytime soon, but he confirmed that Fields is on the top of the network's list.

"I think she'd be terrific, and she is at the top of our short list," Erwin says.

As reported by B&C in April, Fields engaged in talks with Harpo earlier this year, which included the possibility of her replacing Winfrey, who has hinted at retiring in 2011.

While Harpo has not done a pilot or any run-throughs with Fields, Erwin seems confident he has seen enough of Fields' talents from her Survivor stint, which included two popular seasons. Fields also had a guest-starring role on CBS's hit soap Guiding Light in 2006.

"These are very tough jobs, and it's a grind to do one of these shows," Erwin says. "We know her from Survivor and saw what she can do on-camera and off-camera, and I think she'd be terrific."

Fellow Survivor alum Shane Powers recently said Fields would be an ideal fit. "I think it's a great idea. She's really funny and loves to talk to people; it must be that Cirie charm. Hosting a talk show is so hard, but I actually think she's really well suited for it."

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA7463807.html