Food Network star Rachael Ray is officially on her way to becoming more than just a TV cook/tour guide.

Syndicated-TV giant King World has given a "firm go" to a daytime talk show starring the "30 Minute Meals" host, multiple cookbook author and now magazine editor for fall 2006. "Rachael Ray" has been sold in all but four of the country's top 50 TV markets, including all of the top 25.

"The demand for this show is unbelievable," King World CEO Roger King says. "To have this much of the country cleared in just a few weeks is a testament to the tremendous talent and popularity of Rachael Ray."

The bubbly Ray, probably the only Food Network host ever to do a photo spread for FHM, signed on to host the talk show only two months ago. She'll continue her various Food Network endeavors, which include "30 Minute Meals" and "Rachael Ray's Tasty Travels."

Oprah Winfrey's Harpo Productions will be among the producers of Ray's talk show, along with King World and Scripps Networks, which owns the Food Network. As for the content of the show, Ray has said it will be about "taking a bigger bite out of life," although a regular lineup of celebrity guests is probably a safe bet as well.

Ray's talk show will be competing with a daytime show hosted by "Will & Grace" star Megan Mullally next fall, in addition to shows already on the air.