REGIS PHILBIN TO FILL IN AS HOST OF NEW YEAR'S EVE SPECIALS (12/31)

TV talk show host Regis Philbin ("Live with Regis & Kelly") will fill in as host of "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve 2005," which will air on the ABC Television Network, beginning at 10:00 p.m., ET & PT on FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31. As previously announced, recording star Ashlee Simpson will host West Coast portions of the show.

Philbin said: "It's the greatest 'temp job' in the world. I just hope I can uphold the standards Dick Clark has set for this annual event, and I look forward to his return next year."

Clark noted: "I'm so glad that Regis hadn't yet made any New Year's plans. It'll feel strange watching it on TV, but my doctors felt it was too soon. I'm sure Regis will do a great job and I'm thankful that he was able to step in on such short notice."

Andrea Wong, executive vice president, Alternative Programming, Specials and Late-Night, ABC Entertainment, added: "The most important thing to all of us is that Dick has a speedy recovery, so we're thrilled that Regis was gracious enough to fill in at the last moment to help give him the time to make that happen."

"Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve," now in its 33rd year, has become the television viewing tradition for bringing in the New Year each December 31st. This year's special will include performances by Big & Rich, Ciara, Earth, Wind & Fire, Fabolous, Good Charlotte, Billy Idol and Simple Plan, as well as Ashlee Simpson.