NEW YORK (AP) - December 30, 2009
Philbin has been on the disabled list since the Dec. 1 operation. He makes his return to "Live! With Regis and Kelly" on Jan. 4.
Kelly Ripa has been working with guest hosts while Philbin has been away.
He hasn't been completely out of sight: The 78-year-old Philbin called in to pal David Letterman's show this month to deliver a "Top Ten" list.
Amy Adams, Tim Allen, Jenna Elfman and pilot Chesley Sullenberger will be among his first-week guests.
