Regis Philbin retiring at end of summer

[DaytimeFan]

I won't be surprised if Regis moves to Los Angeles or Florida. The cold Manhattan winters have finally started getting to him.

Interesting that he's jumping to WME, I wish him luck.

George Hamilton or Martin Short are the right types for the show. Kelly Ripa is a second banana, simple as that. She can't lead a talk show.

Really, with Live!'s deal ending this year, Buena Vista should can the show.

[bellcurve]

They have nothing to replace the show with, which is the problem. If Regis had made this announcement in August, that would have given Frons and those in charge of Live enough time to find a suitable co-host or replacement. By canceling the show, there's no guarantee that stations would have something suitable to fill the void.

[Money]

According to TMZ, Regis told Kelly he was leaving fifteen minutes before they went on air. She was pissed but pleased (hinting she would more than welcome another co host).

[jcar03]

They also said tha Regis was asked to take a pay cut and he said no which is why he is "retiring". They cited declining rating and the fact that Regis takes a ton of vacation time.

[DRW50]

I saw at EW that names like Jeff Probst, Mario Lopez, and Ryan Seacrest are being thrown about. Ugh. Lopez is particularly smarmy and repulsive to watch.

[dragonflies]

I like the guy that hosted with Kelly today, his name was Jeff Mauler

[Soapsuds]

The only one I'd like to see as Co-host is Anderson Cooper.

I doubt he would have time to do it with his show..and all his other endeavors

[SFK]

Totally agreed. And now that he's Saved by the Baby, his people will really push that asset for the opening chat session with Kelly if he's really interested in this.

[Jonathan]

I think they're definitely going with a "name." This is unlike the time when they were searching for a replacement for KLG. Back then, they could afford to hire a fresh face.

I don't consider Kelly a seasoned veteran yet, despite 10 years under her belt. I think they will need to pair her with someone who has anchored or hosted a show before.

Please no Ryan Seacrest. Not crazy about Jeff Probst either.

[DRW50]

Can Jeff even move his face now?

I wish it could be NPH - I thought he was pretty good.

No Mark Conseulos either.

[bellcurve]

Frons could have his girl and gay BFF show he's been wanting for awhile if that happens.

I think it'd be a huge mustake if they go younger with Regis' replacement.

[DRW50]

I'm not sure if they can find anyone suitable in Regis' age range. I guess there's Chuck Woolery, as some mentioned earlier.

I just hope it won't be someone like Geraldo.

[dragonflies]

Live with Kelly & Geraldo

[Jonathan]

Really, Anderson Cooper is the best fit. Unfortunately, he's tied up with his own deal.

[bellcurve]

ABC/Disney and Kelly should be very very worried. The replacement has to be a "name" but it can't be someone cheap like Mario Lopez.

If Lopez is Regis' replacement, I guarantee affiliates that still have deals with LIVE! will sack this show to late-night. Remember when Caroline Rhea "replaced" Rosie O'Donnell? That lasted one season. Rosie O' had the post-GH slot in my area and when Caroline Rhea premiered(same affiliate), she aired at 1:37AM.