LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Patricia Heaton could be the next sitcom star to host a daytime talk show.

Sources said the Emmy-winning co-star of "Everybody Loves Raymond" is in negotiations for a show targeted to launch in fall 2007. The project is described as being in the vein of ABC's daytime talker "The View," where Heaton would serve as one of multiple hosts, according to sources.

The project is being developed by Buena Vista Television, whose Disney corporate siblings Touchstone Television and ABC are already working with Heaton on an untitled comedy pilot being eyed for next season.

If the comedy and talk show were both to move forward, Heaton could follow in the footsteps of Kelly Ripa, who stars in the ABC comedy "Hope & Faith" and co-hosts Buena Vista's daytime talk show "Live With Regis and Kelly."

Megan Mullally, one of the stars of NBC's "Will & Grace," also is hosting a talk show that launches in the fall -- "The Megan Mullally Show" -- but her sitcom is ending this season.

Heaton won two Emmys for her role as Debra Barone on CBS' "Everybody Loves Raymond." The mother-of-four's extra-curricular activities include serving as honorary chair of Feminists for Life.

Separately, sources said Buena Vista Television also is in talks with Marianela, a VJ on music television network fuse, about doing a project. Marianela hosts the network's live weekday show "Daily Download."

Details on both projects were sketchy Thursday, and Buena Vista Television wasn't available for comment.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter

I am Patty's biggest fan so I definately hope this happens!! It would be so great to see her on television on a daily basis rather than just waiting for special appearances!!

If I were Patty, I would take it. I would love to see her everyday and hear what she'll talk about in Hot topics. But will be sad when Elizabeth goes.

I read a wild rumor last week that Miss Heaton might be joining "The View" now that Meredith Viera is leaving.

I read a wild rumor last week that Miss Heaton might be joining "The View" now that Meredith Viera is leaving.


I heard the exact same thing. I am not a viewer of the View, but I would definitely check her out on the View.

cool :)

I hate daytime tv, but I'll watch it if Patty is on it!

I would love to see Patricia and Ray do another sitcom where they are now the in-laws. Allie could have grown up and be married with a baby or two and Debra could be the new "Marie Barone". She could catch herself doing and saying things that Marie would have and say OMG, now I sound like my mother-in-law. Ray could be just as goofy as he was on the old show and be the half-witted father-in-law. I think there's a chance for some good comedy here.