Is Regis Leaving Kelly?

It would be the end of an era!

Regis Philbin announced today that he is taking a leave of absence from his morning show, Live with Regis and Kelly, to recover from his upcoming hip surgery.

78-year-old Reg will be leaving the show beginning on December 1 and into 2010.

We wish him a speedy recovery!

Who else could sit in that chair next to Kelly Ripa?

Perez!!!!!!!

[Image via HRC / WENN.]