Ripa not expecting another Regis

NEW YORK, Sept. 10 (UPI) -- Kelly Ripa says whoever replaces Regis Philbin as co-host of their venerable U.S. daytime television won't be another Regis.

Philbin, 80, will leave "Live! With Regis and Kelly" next month after hosting the show since its debut in 1983.

"I don't think anybody can fill his shoes," Ripa told Parade. "It will have to be somebody entirely different."

Ripa predicted her new partner would probably just fall into the job much the same way she settled into Kathy Lee Gifford's old chair. "I was filling in for somebody who was filling in and it just clicked," she said. "It worked for us and I think that when it clicks and when it works, everybody will know."

In the meantime, Ripa, the show's producers and the loyal viewers of "Live!" have been reminiscing about Philbin's long career. "To see our audience really re-appreciate Regis is a wonderful thing."