Regis Philbin returns next week to ‘Live!’ after hip replacement surgery

Regis returns next week after hip replacement

NEW YORK — Regis Philbin is set to return to his daytime talk show next week after successful hip replacement surgery.

Philbin has been on the disabled list since the Dec. 1 operation. He makes his return to “Live! With Regis and Kelly” on Jan. 4.

Kelly Ripa has been working with guest hosts while Philbin has been away.

He hasn’t been completely out of sight: The 78-year-old Philbin called in to pal David Letterman’s show this month to deliver a “Top Ten” list.

Amy Adams, Tim Allen, Jenna Elfman and pilot Chesley Sullenberger will be among his first-week guests.

Disney-ABC Domestic Television distributes “Live! With Regis and Kelly.”