Regis Philbin to ring in the New Year

updated 11:17 a.m. ET Nov. 18, 2005

NEW YORK - Regis Philbin, normally reserved for mornings, will stay up late to host the New Year’s Eve countdown on Fox.

Philbin will host the network’s “New Year’s Eve Live” telecast Dec. 31 (11 p.m. ET), from New York’s Time Square, Fox announced.

“I’m very happy to be asked to welcome in the New Year on TV,” Philbin said in a statement. “It’s a once-a-year, one-of-a-kind show, and it’s an honor to wish the country a Happy New Year.”

Last year on ABC, the 74-year-old Philbin stood in for Dick Clark, who had suffered a stroke. Clark, long a New Year’s tradition, will return to host ABC’s ball-dropping coverage this year with Ryan Seacrest of “American Idol” fame.

It’s a rare trip away from ABC for Philbin, whose regular gig is “Live with Regis and Kelly,” the syndicated morning show. He will also host their updated version of the primetime show “This is Your Life.” ABC has not yet announced an air date.

MORE FROM MORE NEWS AND OTHER FEATURES

Another Grammer failure — ABC kills ‘Hank’

Another Grammer failure — ABC kills ‘Hank’ ‘Modern Family’ reinvents the family comedy 11 late-night TV shows: The good and the bad Fox cancels sci-fi drama ‘Dollhouse’ NYT: Anchor Lou Dobbs leaving CNN Disabled want more performers to truly fit roles CNN finds prime-time success elusive ‘Glee’ brings joy to beleaguered music industry ‘Sesame Street’ still Big Bird’s nest after 40 years Navy Secretary Mabus to appear on ‘NCIS’   Add More news and other features headlines to your news reader: