Regis Philbin Is Retiring

Regis Philbin Is Retiring. Who Should Replace Him?
After Host Regis Philbin 'Live With Regis and Kelly' he announced that he was retiring from morning television, fans began to wonder who would replace the iconic host.

Regis Philbin says he's leaving the show that bears his name.

"This will be my last year on this show," the 79-year-old host said Tuesday morning on "Live! with Regis and Kelly." "It's been a long time, it's been 28 years since I've been here. And it was the biggest thrill of my life to come back to New York, where I grew up as a kid watching TV in the early days, you know, never even dreaming that I would one day have the ability, or whatever it takes, to get in front of the camera and talk to it."

"There is a time that everything must come to an end for certain people on camera, especially certain old people," he joked.

Philbin said his exit would occur at the end of the summer or in the fall.

During the last year, while Philbin underwent hip replacement surgery, the show tested out many great potential hosts. His replacement will have pretty big shoes to fill, but PopEater thinks we know of some ideal candidates.

As one of the most successful 'Housewives,' Bethenny Frankel has been vocal about wanting her own daytime talk show within the next five years. She already has a spinoff show, two New York Times bestsellers and a yoga DVD, so she's about due for her hosting debut. Frankel isn't afraid to dish about her life and has the sass and intelligence to stand on her own next to Kelly Ripa.

Back when Philbin was recovering from his successful hip replacement, PopEater readers were vocal about getting Anderson Cooper to take over during his absence. Although the Silver Fox has received rave reviews when he's filled in for Philbin in the past, he's already locked in a daytime talk show for himself. If he can balance both, Cooper would be an ideal candidate.

If Kathy Griffin can tone down her comedy (and insults) for daytime TV, she would be a shoo-in as a 'Live' co-host. She'd bring a ratings boost for the network and give the press something new to write about every day as she blasts everyone from Sarah and Bristol Palin to Oprah Winfrey.

Let's be honest, we're going to miss Simon Cowell on 'American Idol,' but having a dose of his honestly with our morning coffee would definitely be a good way to start the day. Plus, he wouldn't be afraid to ask the tough questions of all the celebrity guests. We'd just hope he'd keep his comments to himself when musicians perform on the show.

Mark Consuelos seems like an obvious choice, as he has filled in for Regis on several occasions. And as Ripa's husband, the two already have chemistry, so we can avoid all the awkwardness right from the start.

The endearing Mario Lopez has bonded with every superstar as an 'Extra' host, so this gig would be a breeze for the 'Saved By The Bell' alum. Plus, there's nothing like a little eye candy at 10AM.

Even though Betty White vowed to step out of the spotlight in 2011, America can't get enough of the 'Golden Girls' star. Who doesn't love Betty? (Honestly, we'd tune in just to see her!) Plus, she's the type of person that Hollywood A-listers would open up to without question.