News
Kelly Ripa to ABC: Do Not Bring Regis Philbin Back (EXCLUSIVE)
In Touch has exclusively learned that Kelly Ripa does not want Regis Philbin to come back on Live.
The search for a new co-host is on in full force but behind the scenes, sources reveal that Kelly is not happy with ABC’s strategy. A source reveals to the mag, on stands now, that though Kelly and Regis were co-hosts for ten years — until he retired in 2011 — she immediately rejected the idea of bringing him back.
RELATED: Tamera Mowry Makes a Shocking Confession on 'The Real' — Get the Details
“ABC suggested having him come back on a temporary basis. But Kelly it shot it down immediately,” the network insider explains. “She and Regis aren’t close and she felt ABC was just trying to continue to agitate her."
RELATED: Find Out the REAL Reason 'Today' Anchor Natalie Morales Went to the West Coast
Regis had a close personal friendship with his former co-host Kathie Lee Gifford and they remain friends to this day. But he and Kelly have no offscreen relationship, and last year Regis revealed that he hasn’t spoken to her since 2011.
For a list of all the other co-host candidates that Kelly has already turned down, pick up the latest issue of In Touch, on newsstands now!
