Monday, June 20, 2011

Report: ABC Narrows Search For Regis' Successor

Walt Disney Co. is inching closer to deciding who will fill daytime television's oldest shoes, according to a story by Lauren A.E. Schuker at wsj.com.

TV icon Regis Philbin, 79 years old, said five months ago that he wanted to leave "Live With Regis and Kelly" in November. While a decision on Mr. Philbin's successor isn't imminent, Disney has been considering a range of candidates, say people close to Disney-ABC Domestic Television, which distributes the show.

Radio and television personality Ryan Seacrest, 36; TV host and former Bravo executive Andy Cohen, 43; and TV host and actor Mark Consuelos, 40, are all possible contenders for the gig, according to these people. Mr. Consuelos is married to Mr. Philbin's co-host, Kelly Ripa.

Mr. Cohen, who hosts Bravo's late-night "Watch What Happens: Live," has filled in for Mr. Philbin on "Live With Regis and Kelly" recently, as has Mr. Consuelos.

A spokeswoman for Disney-ABC declined to comment, saying that because Mr. Philbin isn't expected to leave the show until November, "it's ridiculous at this point to be speculating about who will replace him."

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TomZTake:  I wouldn't bet on Seacrest. I can't imagine him giving up a primetime gig for a daily daytime TV show.  He couldn't do both -- plus his KIIS-FM morning show in LA...something would have to give.

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