Now that Michael Strahan is officially saying goodbye to LIVE! four months earlier than planned, the production doesn’t have much time to find a replacement to host with Kelly Ripa.
Plenty of big names have been thrown out to fill the ABC morning program’s soon-to-be-empty seat — Anderson Cooper, Andy Cohen, and even Mario Lopez have all been named potential successors.
But according to reports, another seasoned TV personality has been “approached” to replace Strahan — and we’re talking about none other than Regis Philbin!
Video: Kelly & Michael Awkwardly Accept Their Daytime Emmy On LIVE!
That’s right! Sources told Page Six that the OG LIVE! anchor himself was entertaining the idea of returning to the long running daytime show.
An insider explained that the production reached out to Philbin’s longtime agent Kenny DiCamillo to discuss the possibility of Reeg returning to his natural habitat, noting:
“He’s already been approached. It’s been a bunch of phone tag back and forth. It’s in the very early stages.”
Another source revealed the 84-year-old and his wife Joy were discussing a potential return last week over dinner with Investigation Discovery executive Henry Schleiff.
Related: Regis Picks A Side In The Kelly & Michael Feud!
The insider explained:
“Regis gave his opinion about the Michael and Kelly rift, and Henry proposed to spearhead a ├óΓé¼╦£bring Regis back’ campaign called #brb. Joy was in support of it. They all seemed game for trying to get him back. I think he’d have to look at the deal, but he was into it. He was totally positive.”
We’re not sure if Regis would actually come out of retirement for a job he already had for decades — but the TV vet’s return sure would help his old show out of a pickle!
Do YOU think Regis should come back to LIVE!?
[Image via ABC.]
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