Hoda Kotb Part of Conspiracy to Reunite Regis and Kathie Lee?
In light of the news that Ann Curry has been let go from the "Today" show on NBC, there has been serious speculation about what comes next for the show. Hoda Kotb is apparently the frontrunner to replace Curry, which would leave a seat next to Kathie Lee wide open for a reunion with former co-star Regis Philbin.
"Hoda scores off the charts in focus groups, and the audience can relate to her," an insider told RadarOnline.com. That popularity could be just what NBC needs to regain its top spot among viewers. Recently, the series has had lower ratings than "Good Morning America," which features Kathie Lee.
Should Hoda decide to move to NBC, Regis Philbin would be in consideration for the seat next to Kathie Lee. The two previously co-hosted "Live! With Regis and Kathie Lee," which became an iconic early-morning show and cemented Philbin's popularity with the American audience.
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Kathie Lee was the first to leave the wildly popular "Live!" and Kelly Ripa was named her successor after a series of try-outs. Philbin later left the series, and a replacement has not been named yet. He recently reunited with Kathie Lee on "Today," which caused much excitement among fans. It was the first time in 12 years that the two co-hosted together.
"You wanna come back to work," Kathie Lee joked on the show, "because this seat might be available soon." Were her words were a prediction of what is to come?
According to one source, NBC executives "absolutely love Regis and want to formally sign him to become a special contributor to 'Today' and work with the network on entertainment specials. If Hoda is chosen to become Matt Lauer's co-anchor, Regis would be the natural choice to replace her."
Fans are certainly pleased with the news that Regis would be considered.
"Regis and Kathy are great together and the show came alive with both of them. Hoda never cut it with me, polls to the contrary," noted Radar Online reader Hellsbelles.
"Oh please, please, please, please make it happen!" added StiffyPinker.
