For 19 years, Marilyn Denis ruled the morning dial as host of CityLine, a job she took over from Dini Petty back in 1989.
But after a bunch of station swapping between CHUMand CTV in 2008, Denis left the show and set her sights on a new program with CTV. The Marilyn Denis Show premieres Jan. 10.
As we head into the new year, what are the big things on your mind?
Sleeping more. [Laughter]… I try to get to bed at 8 or 8:30 p.m. Because of the show, all my friends know they can write off any kind of dinners Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday.And I will fall asleep in my entree on Friday night, but I’m pretty good on Saturday.
How does it feel to be back on daytime TV after an extended hiatus?
It feels really good. I continued with [my radio show on] CHUM FM, and I was thinking positively. I kept working out at 10 a.m. because I wanted to be physically fit — not necessarily lighter, but physically fit — for the show.
What other talk shows — I’m thinking Oprah, Rachel Ray, Ellen — will your show be closest to?
I didn’t know there were any other talk shows! Are you kidding me? I thought this was new! It will be very different, and I’m not trying to be disrespectful, but I don’t even compare to anything else.
So no dancing in the aisles?
Well, I must say, Ellen — who I think is terrific — I am not going to start that. I don’t need to do that.None of those signature things. Every day is ever changing.
In your time off, I hear you built a new house. What area?
Rosedale. Yep. It is the smallest, newest house in Rosedale. It’s a great neighbourhood. I feel really blessed to be there. So beautiful.
Over the years, you’ve interviewed hundreds of famous people. Who is still at the top of your wish list?
Boy, it’s a long list. I really like Colin Firth.
Is that an indication of your opening day guest?
No, no. I wish. Unless they’re going to surprise me!
Cabral “Cabbie” Richards from The Score is your new sidekick. What has it been like to get to know him?
I think he is excellent. He is, as he puts it, going to put some testosterone into the show, which is needed. These superstar athletes … they fall in love with him and take him everywhere. They don’t have any fear with him. And if he gets me an interview with Terry Bradshaw.…
So that’s why you brought him on the show!
Exactly. And for Colin Firth. I’ve got people for him, too.
