Live with Regis and Kelly host Regis Philbin, 79, this morning announced his retirement from the show after 28 years. Apparently Regis did not even tell Kelly until 15 minutes before the show aired. Regis felt if he told anyone the news would be leaked. He kept it a secret and announced it this AM on the show. Regis said he will tape his last show this summer. No word yet on who will replace him.
“I have to tell you this because it’s going to happen and the station needs to know and [executive producer Michael Seth] Gelman needs to know and we all need to know. But this will be my last year on this show,” said Philbin. “… It’s been 28 years since I’ve been here and it was the biggest thrill of my life to come back to New York where I grew up as a kid watching TV in the early days. …And look at this over here,” he said referring to his co-host of 10 years, Kelly Ripa as he put his arm around her.
“I think I can only speak for America and all of us here when I say it’s been a pleasure and a privilege and a dream come true and I wish I could do something to make you change your mind,” said Ripa.
Best of luck to Regis on his future pursuits. I wonder if Kelly’s husband Mark Consuelos will step in and take a co-hosting job with her.
