There’s talk swirling in the ‘hood again about Regis Philbin’s replacement.
(I say the ‘hood because the “Live with Regis and Kelly” studios are just a few blocks from my apartment. Yeah – I’m that hip.)
The chatter first begain when Regis had heart bypass surgery a few years ago, and the parade of replacement hosts began. I think we know who won that go-round: the incomparable Neil Patrick Harris, with notable stand-outs Anderson Cooper, Bryant Gumbel and Pat Sajak.
But then Rege recovered nicely, and “Live” soldiered on.
In December of last year, Rege was out yet again for over a month, this time with hip replacement surgery, and the co-host dance was back in full swing. Anderson Cooper was there — a lot — and some fresh faces, too.
But no Neil Patrick Harris, who I think we all agree is Kelly Ripa’s soulmate at the desk.
My take on it? After triumphs at the “Tony Awards” and “Emmys” and “American Idol,” he may have outgrown the guest host role.
NPH is simply too H-O-T.
But I still believe, on the day that Rege retires, NPH would be the best choice for the longevity of “Live.”
If he’s not too big to fit in the chair.
