Regis Philbin Quit Because of Contract Dispute?

Rumors have been running wild since Regis Philbin announced he would be leaving Live with Regis & Kelly, mainly claiming that the veteran TV host left the hit talk show because of a contract dispute with ABC and the morning show's producers. But Regis put the rumors to rest.

"We never reached an agreement on the contract ... but I made up my mind a long time ago," Regis told TMZ, suggesting the contract negotiations had nothing to do with why he decided to leave.

So who will replace the icon? Rumors have run rampant ranging from Sam Champion of Good Morning America to Survivor host Jeff Probst to 20/20 co-anchor Chris Cuomo and Ryan Seacrest.

Also, Kelly Ripa’s former All My Children co-stars Josh Duhamel and Cameron Mathison.

Regis’ former co-host Kathie Lee Gifford suggested the icon probably has other things up his sleeve.

“He’s going to have a landmark birthday in August, It’s a new beginning for him… I don’t think Reg will ever retire,” she explained to Access Hollywood earlier this week.  “He loves what he does so much. But he can work in a lot of different ways and he can do it on his own schedule.”