Could Regis Philbin join Kelly Ripa on "Live" after Michael Strahan leaves?

Getty Images/Rob Kim

By Jennifer Brett

May 11, 2016

Could Regis Philbin return to "Live" with Kelly Ripa after Michael Strahan leaves this week? The venerable veteran has "already been approached" about a possible comeback, Page Six notes.

MORE: Bow Wow wants to join Kelly Ripa after Michael Strahan leaves .. Kelly & Who? The 9 people who could or should replace Michael Strahan

Getty Images/Rob Kim

NEW: Why do viewers care so much about morning TV hosts?

The show's official response was derisive snark - "Seriously?" (which isn't exactly a denial..) but Regis' wife Joy seemed to put the kibosh on the idea. "Stay out of it, Regis!" she was overheard shouting while Regis was on the line.

Strahan leaves Friday. The two started their final week together with some stilted chatter and awkward body language.

live-with-kelly-and-michael-large-643x441
MORE

Kelly Ripa is praying for "Live" as Michael Strahan's exit approaches

#TeamRipa is flattening #TeamStrahan on Twitter

Michael Strahan leaving “Live” to focus on “GMA”

Kelly Ripa skips “Live” the day after Michael Strahan announces exit

Furious Kelly Ripa stays away from “Live”

Kelly Ripa keeps her distance and silence, dodging Michael Strahan’s calls

Bow Wow wants to join Kelly Ripa after Michael Strahan leaves

Kelly Ripa finally returns to “Live”

Michael Strahan to leave “Live” on May 13

Kelly Ripa and Michael Strahan win Emmy but skip ceremony

Ripa found out about Strahan’s depature just an hour before the announcement last month, while “Good Morning America” co-hosts Robin Roberts and George Stephanopoulos reportedly knew in advance. Ripa was furious over how the announcement was handled.

ABC/Getty

“I needed a couple of days to gather my thoughts. After 26 years with this company, I earned the right,” she said after she returned to the show following a hiatus of a few days. “In that time, I gained some perspective. What transpired over the course of a few days has been extraordinary in the sense that it started a much greater conversation about communication and consideration and most importantly, respect in the workplace. And since we’re being honest, I don’t consider this just a workplace. This is my second home. This is a place that I’ve devoted myself to not just because of you, our loyal viewers, but because of all the producers and the crew who work on this show. We have an incredible team. We are incredibly devoted to one another. We are family. Apologies have been made, and the best thing to come out of all of this is that our parent company has assured me that ‘Live!’ is a priority.”

About the Author

Jennifer Brett

Alerts

Could Regis Philbin join Kelly Ripa on "Live" after Michael Strahan leaves?

More Stories

T.I. talks retirement, Jesus at Alpharetta comedy show

Ariana Grande, Cardi B and 8 more metro Atlanta concerts to see in 2026

From ‘GWTW’ to Tyler Perry, how the AJC has covered Georgia’s film industry

Springlike warmth to end as cold front roars in before New Year’s

UGA-Damon Wilson ll legal battle begs question of NIL contract enforceability

How to buy wine like a pro when traveling in the U.S.