'Live with Kelly': Producer Refutes Claim That Regis Philbin Hasn't Been Asked To Return [VIDEO]
Regis Philbin revealed earlier in the week that he hasn't been asked back to Live with Kelly, but a producer refutes this claim.
Philbin spoke with Larry King this week about his relationship with Live's Kelly Ripa, and certainly turned a few heads. The former co-host admitted that not only does he not speak with her, the show hasn't ever invited him back!
"She got very offended when I left. She thought I was leaving because of her," Philbin revealed. The legendary talk show host left the show in 2011, leaving Ripa to find a new co-host. "I was leaving because I was getting older and that wasn't right for me anymore."
While Philbin makes it sound like there is a strained relationship between himself and Live, WABC president and general manager Dave Davis pointed to the 2015 Halloween show, in which Philbin reunited onscreen with Ripa.
"It was wonderful to have Regis on the show for our 2015 Halloween special," Davis said. "He's also been invited back several times as a guest, and in fact was confirmed for a date, but was not able to make it at the time."
The behind-the-scenes drama at Live has been the topic of conversation over the past year after Ripa's latest co-host, Michael Strahan, abruptly announced he was leaving for Good Morning America. Ripa was reportedly left blindsided by the news, which went public before she was even informed.
Live with Kelly airs daily, with no permanent co-host for Ripa announced yet.
