Regis Returns to 'Live' 1/4; Gabourney Sidibe, Amy Adams & Tim Allen Among the Week's Guests

Regis Philbin will return to Live with Regis and Kelly on January 4, the Hollywood Reporter reveals. Philbin, 78, has been on leave from the show since November 30 to undergo and recover from hip replacement surgery.  

Guests scheduled to appear on Live the week of Philbin's return include Amy Adams, Gabourey Sidibe, Tim Allen, Jenna Elfman, Chris Meloni, Katharine McPhee and Capt. Chesley B. Sullenberger.

Philbin was last on extended leave from the show in the spring of 2007 when he underwent hearty bypass surgery from March 12, through April 26.  Guest co-host, Jimmy Kimmel, hosted alongside Ripa during Philbin's absence.

Philbin holds the Guinness Book World Record for most time spent in front of a TV camera.  On September 17 this time had reached 16,343 hours.