Regis Philbin Reveals What Lured Him Back to TV
Regis Philbin never ruled out the possibility of returning to the small screen after "retiring" from his talk show Live! with Regis and Kelly in November 2011, and now the showbiz veteran is explaining the exciting new opportunity that's bringing him back to TV!
"You know, I've always loved sports," the 81-year-old Philbin told ET last night at the FOX Sports Media Group's inaugural upfront presentation in New York City. He added that the new gig -- a show for FOX Sports 1 called Rush Hour -- turned out to be "a nice surprise" at just the right time.
"I think we're going to have some fun and discuss sports -- that will be the basis of it," Philbin said. He also joked that in contrast to his last early morning gig, he'll be able to sleep a little bit later since his new show will be airing at 5 p.m. "No more early wake up calls -- Regis will get up around 1 or 2 in the afternoon and then go down."
Also attending Tuesday's FOX party was former ESPN sports personality Erin Andrews, who said she's confident that Regis will lead a successful show. "I mean the guy loves sports and he loves battling it out with everyone," said Andrews, who will also be joining FOX Sports 1. "I'm excited about getting on there and having a good time with him. I think we all want our moment in the sun with Regis," she added.
VIDEO: Regis Philbin Gives Advice to Michael Strahan
Watch the video to also hear former NFL star and TV personality Howie Long react to Regis' new show -- in which he'll discuss the latest sports topics with a panel of sports professionals, celebrity guests and die-hard fans -- beginning this fall on FOX Sports 1 network, which is scheduled to launch in August.