whatever happened to sweet marilyn denis?by brett |

One of the most frequently-asked questions I field from my friends is, “Where is Marilyn Denis?!?”
It’s undeniable that there remains a Marilyn-shaped hole in our lives ever since she left her epic 19-year gig as host of CityLine in May 2008. The lady had style, wit and a flair for rapid-fire improv that made her a household name for nearly two decades. (And she’s lovely in person, too boot!) Broadcast live-to-air, there were always mad antics unfolding during CityLine tapings that would’ve made a lesser host completely lose her cool — does anyone remember the time that my colleague Samantha was demo-ing the electric juicer and forgot to put a glass under the spout, showering the studio floor with O.J.? Absolutely hilarious, and Marilyn took it all in stride. Good memories…
I still get to wake up to Marilyn every morning, as she remains a host on 104.5 CHUM FM, Toronto’s most popular morning radio show. In fact, Marilyn’s launching a new segment every Thursday morning at 8:20 called “All About Style”. Her guest this morning was none other than our own Contributing Style Editor Karl Lohnes, who introduced her to the the rather scandalous-sounding “Seven Deadly Decorating Sins“. Even if you don’t live in the GTA, you can still get your fix of Marilyn on-air at the CHUM FM website! Yay!
An even bigger “YAY!” is warranted by the news that production is soon to begin on Marilyn’s new venture… The much-anticipated Marilyn Denis Show on CTV! Coming to your small screens before the year’s end… I’ll keep you posted!
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Tags: chum fm, contibuting style editor, ctv, darren and marilyn, decorating sins, host, hostess, karl lohnes, marilyn denis, marilyn denis show, radio, roger, seven deadly decorating sins, television




Check out Karl’s 25 decorating mistakes and how to avoid them!
http://www.styleathome.com/decorating-and-design/styling-secrets/25-decorating-mistakes-and-how-to-avoid-them/a/451
Well it’s a darn good thing that some of us follow your blog so we can stay up to date on this stuff! Thanks for the update
ooooh can’t wait!
Ditto about Marilyn,s new CTV gig.
This is great news! Home Decor days and Fashion Fridays haven’t been the same without Marilyn!
UPDATE… Karl will return as Marilyn’s guest on the “All About Style” segment on Thursday, May 21. Same time, same channel!
Hi Marilyn:
Can’t wait for your new show!!!. Miss you sooooooooooo much.I am now working
3 days a week and look forward to enjoying your new show on my days off.
Good luck getting it for it.
Rita Dockeray
I still watch city line, but it is not the same, these guys were nuts to let you go. Can’t wait for your new show to start….
FINALLY…..the wait is over—Marilyn is back!
I have checked the internet for any news and today
was my lucky day.
I also look forward to your new show. I know it
will be a hit…I will be tuning in to watch on 21 May!
Marilyn’s May 21st segment with Karl Lohnes is actually part of her radio show on CHUM FM, not on TV… We’re going to have to wait a bit longer to see her on the small screen again!
l never watch Cityline since Marilyn left — she made the show; l realize that without her quick wit and presence and intelligence, none of that stuff interests me. After 19 years, maybe she has had enough of TV; who could blame her? lt must be horrendously stressful, but she never made it seem that way; she was a very gifted natural. Marilyn, please come back in some other incarnation…and yes, by all means,let the show be named for you: you deserve it!
I moved to the west 10 years ago, I am from Toronto and watched Marilyn Denis everyday on city line. I don’t watch city Line anymore as it is not the same with out her. I am looking forward to your new show and will watch everyday! What were they thinking when they let you go. I think the TV people should listen to the consumers a little more as you are great.
Can’t wait for your new show!
Where is SHE already? We want Denis.
Can’t wait for Marilyn’s new show….CTV is getting a winner!! I never watch Cityline anymore…..my favorite guests are hardly ever on and I loved the humorous interaction between Brian Gluckstein and Marilyn who are obviously very good friends. Marilyn brought out the best in her guests which the new host doesn’t seem to do. Best of luck Marilyn and hopefully she’ll bring the same gang with her.
CTV is very fortunate to add the greatly accomplished Marilyn Denis to their broadcast. I can’t wait.
Here we are in Sept & I still have not heard anything about Marilyn returning to TV. I miss her so much. City Line is the pits since she left. Marilyn had it all & no one can ever replace her. I hope she appears on the big screen soon - on any channel!
I too can’t wait to see the new show. I hope it’s still in the works. I try watching the new cityline, but like most people, it’s just not the same. My mom thinks so too. Here’s hoping the new show comes on soon!!
I’m in total aggreement about Cityline without Marilyn. After watching a few shows, it’s just not the same. Here’s to seeing Marilyn again SOON!!
I see they’ve changed Marilyn’s bio on the CHUM radio website and taken out the bit that mentions the Marilyn Denis show launching this fall… It now says it will launch in the “near future”…
Will keep you posted on new developments as I hear…
She is one special individual.
It is a real privilege to have the opportunity to experience her intelligence, comedic timing, genuine empathy and creative genius, all while throwing some humble into the mix.
She is returning, isn’t she?
Oh please, please, hurry back Marilyn!
Bring our morning girl back, please! CityLine could never be revived since Marilyn’s departure. It is rather painful to watch these days. A shame, really. A unique show that was loved not only by a national audience, but an international one! I am anxiously awaiting news of her new beginning with CTV. We miss you Marilyn!
Ditto to all the comments about MD and her new show. She was a HUGE LOSS to Cityline…more thiers than hers. I’m big fan and cant wait to see her on TV again. She has way too much talent to not be…she made me laugh and cry. BTW I think Tracy is good and brings a new energy to Cityline but lacks a certain natural talent MD has…give her time maybe?
I hate Cityline and will not watch. Bring back Marilyn to TV already!!
I used to be a regular Cityline follower! Not anymore without Marilyn!!! Doesn’t it make you wonder who makes these stupid decisions??? She made the show what it was!!! Bring her back….and the ratings will go way up!!
I was so impressed with Marilyn when she attended the convention center London On this past spring, she is truly a lovely person; what you see is what you get; very sincere… Marilyn WAS Cityline not the same without her.I am so looking forward to her upcoming show can’t wait
I don’t watch Cityline much anymore, just not the same. I had been a faithful watcher for years. Marilyn appeared on the TV screen a few days ago, asking for support for our local TV broadcasts and the problems they are having with cable etc. It was like meeting an old friend…….
Cityline needs Marilyn Dennis! I so looked forward to seeing Marilyn each weekday. She has such a comfortable relaxing manner–she made us feel like we were friends sitting in the same room. I have tried to watch Cityline several times since Marilyn’s departure; however, I no longer watch at all. It is truly missing its main attraction. I know many women share my view–bring Marilyn back!!!!!!
I work @ CTV & there are cut-backs “left-right-and-centre” so it doesn’t surprise me that the production of Marilyn’s new show has been put on hold. Let’s hope this economy get’s better soon!!!
Thanks for the update, Anita - I’ve been wondering what’s been going on, as it’s mid-autumn, and still no sign of the show…
I also hope CTV will put Marilyn back on ASAP and utilize her natural talents. We love outside the GTA so when we drive in to T.O. it’s a great treat to listen to her on CHUM FM. I agree it was great to see her on the latest plug for local TV. Maybe this is the start of her comeback…fingers crossed!
BTW I would understand if Marilyn has moved on from CL onto a new chapter. I would love to see her do a show using more of her interviewing skills with more emphasis on Canadian talent.
I’ve seen those commercials too - I’m so proud of her for taking a stance on such a contentious issue!
They should have axed City Line instead of trying to keep it going. It will never ever be as good without Marilyn.
Her talent is unique in that she came across as a friend and so down to earth.
My wish would be for her to develop a similar concept but aimed at age 40+ women (and men) who love clothes and want to be fashionable but get absolutely no direction from magazines or tv as it is all focused towards 20 somethings.
I was wondering where she had gone. I thought maybe the U.S. snatched her. Please CTV bring Marilyn back soon.
She was great on cityline. Its not the same there.
Marilyn won the 2006 Gemini for Viewers Choice Award and yet CTV can’t take advantage of her popularity and talent, I find that strange. I too miss her on Cityline, still watch as the guests are so great but not a fan of the new host.