Our photog asked Rob Lowe straight up yesterday at LAX -- would he be interested in taking over Regis Philbin's chair next to Kelly Ripa -- and he certainly didn't give us a straight answer. 

As TMZ first reported, ABC loved the chemistry between Rob and Kelly during his two-day guest hosting stint this week and have already approached the "Parks and Recreation" star to gauge his interest in coming aboard full-time.

So far, we're told, he's been noncommittal. 

Rob Lowe could be Regis Philbin's replacement ... if ABC has its way.

Lowe just finished a two-day stint, guest hosting with Kelly Ripa and an ABC source says the honchos "loved the chemistry between them." We're told network execs have spoken with Lowe's reps about making it a permanent gig, but Lowe -- who already has a job on "Parks and Recreation" -- is non-committal.

But we just shot Rob leaving NYC at JFK airport. Our camera guy asked him, "Do you think you could live in New York?"

Rob replied: "We were just talking about that. I love New York. I love the energy. It would be a change of pace. I'm a California boy, but it could be fun."

Regis Philbin tried to tame a mighty Vespa on the streets of NYC this afternoon ... and lost.

The 80-year-old was riding the wild scooter for a bit with David Letterman ... when Regis tipped his bike and spilled onto the asphalt.

Philbin grimaced as he hit the ground -- but being the tough son of a bitch that he is, Reeg got right back up and finished the bit.



A rep for "Regis and Kelly" tells TMZ, Regis didn't suffer any injuries during the minor spill, and is doing just fine.

November 18, 2011 ... mark the date -- because it will be the LAST TIME Regis Philbin will host "Live with Regis and Kelly."

80-year-old Regis made the announcement this morning -- but there's still a HUGE mystery ... no one knows who his replacement will be.

There are a handful of fill-in hosts who are rumored to have a shot at the gig -- including "Dancing with the Stars" alum Psycho Mike, "Survivor" host Jeff Probst and Howie Mandel.

He may be leaving "Live with Regis & Kelly," but Regis Philbin still got some,er, very special treatment by TSA security at LAX on Monday.


You gotta hand it to the the 79-year-old for being such a good sport.

Regis Philbin claims he was ready to bail on "Live" way before contract negotiations went sour -- insisting 28 years in the same place is long enough ... period.


The Reegemeister quit L.A. earlier today -- hopping a flight to Miami -- and he ain't lookin' back ... at least when it comes to his famous TV show ... claiming, "I left. I'm done."

Reeg also explained, "We never reached an agreement on the contract ... but I made up my mind a long time ago."

Regis Philbin quit his show after execs told his agent they would cut his salary when his current contract expired ... sources tell TMZ. 


Sources connected with the show tell TMZ ... Regis' agent, Jim Griffin, was talking with execs from the ABC station group about a new contract for Regis when his current deal expired.  We're told the honchos made it clear ... Regis would be getting a pay cut, partly because the show is not performing as well as in the past ... and partly because he takes a lot of time off.

Sources say Reeg is currently pulling in between $18 and $20 million a year.

Regis, we're told, was angry at the offer and that was the trigger for his announcement this week that he's leaving the show.

TMZ first reported ... Regis told Kelly Ripa about his decision 15 minutes before they went on the air.  Initially we were told she was stunned but not angry.  Now we've learned she was furious -- partly because, as one source says, "She felt it showed a total lack of respect for her."

We're told the entire production team is angry at Regis because they feel he hurt the show by blindsiding everyone.

As for Regis' agent, Jim Griffin, Reeg fired him.  We're told Regis feels Griffin did not negotiate the upcoming deal effectively.

Fresh off his exit announcement from "LIVE! with Regis & Kelly," Regis Philbin and his wife Joy touched down yesterday in sunny Los Angeles.


Reeg is in town to receive a lifetime achievement award tonight from the Radio and Television News Association of Southern California.

Sources connected with "Live! with Regis & Kelly" tell TMZ ... Regis Philbin blindsided Kelly Ripa with his retirement announcement today ... telling her less than 15 minutes before they went on the air.



We're told Kelly was "stunned" that Regis didn't tell her well in advance.  But one source connected with the show tells us, "She wasn't upset."

Our sources say Regis felt if he talked about it before making the announcement, it would have leaked out.

Regis Philbin says he's finally ready to give up his talk show gig ... after 28 years on the morning shift.


79-year-old Philbin made the announcement this morning on "Live with Regis and Kelly."

Regis said he'll tape his last show towards the end of the summer -- but he didn't give a specific date.

During his announcement, Regis joked, "There is a time that everything must come to an end for certain people on camera, especially certain old people."

Buxom TV host Regis Philbin showed off his sexy freckled physique in Hawaii this weekend.



The 78-year-old TV legend is responsible for a lot of great mammaries.