‘Live!’ Host Kelly Ripa: Regis Philbin Wouldn’t Talk to Me Off-Camera

Kelly Ripa attends the 'All We Had' Premiere during the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival at BMCC John Zuccotti Theater in New York City on April 15, 2016. Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Tribeca Film Festival

“Live!” host Kelly Ripa has revealed that former host Regis Philbin wouldn’t talk to her off-camera.

“Regis had a mandate: Absolutely no talking off-camera,” Ripa told the New York Times.

The 86-year-old Philbin departed “Live!” in 2011 after spending 24 seasons there.

“He had almost a superstition about it. You save it for the show. I’d be like, ‘Good morning,’ and he’d say, ‘Save it for the air!'” Ripa told the paper.

Regis Philbin (C) and Kelly Ripa (R) talk with Cher on "Live! with Regis and Kelly" in a November 2010 file photo. Philbin has announced he is leaving the show after 28 years. David M. Russell/Disney ABC via Getty Images

After Philbin left the program, ex-New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan joined in 2012 and spent four seasons there. Then, after Strahan’s departure last year, it was announced that “American Idol” emcee Ryan Seacrest would be the host.

“He’s the future of the franchise,” Ripa said. “He’s the future of ABC.”

“If it were raining outside and there was a puddle, I’d want to stand in front of Kelly so she wouldn’t get wet,” Seacrest said of their on-air chemistry. “There’s that protection thing.”

Philbin, for his part, told “Larry King Now” in February about his working relationship with Ripa.

“She got very offended when I left. She thought I was leaving because of her,” Philbin said of Ripa. He added: “I was leaving because I was getting older and it wasn’t right for me anymore,” according to People magazine.

When he was asked if the two still keep in touch, he said, “Not really, no.”

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