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.

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