Kelly Ripa Reveals Regis Philbin's Surprising On-Set Rule at Live With Regis and Kelly

When Kelly Ripa co-hosted Live with Regis and Kelly with Regis Philbin, she seemed to have a friendly rapport with her famous colleague. But, the duo's easy, witty banter was just for the cameras — literally. And that's not to say the pair had a tense relationship.

Ripa recently disclosed the show's behind-the-scenes secret to The New York Times. "Regis had a mandate: Absolutely no talking off-camera,” Ripa said. “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!’”

Things with Ripa and Ryan Seacrest — who have co-hosted Live With Kelly and Ryan since May — are somewhat different. The two pals hang out with each other over the weekend, and trade frequent text messages at night. And when Seacrest recently fell ill, Ripa sent him matzo ball soup from New York's Second Avenue Deli. 

"[Seacrest is] the future of the franchise,” Ripa told The Times. “He’s the future of ABC.” Seacrest was also keen to gush over his friend and co-host. "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,” he said. “There’s that protection thing.”

And, it probably goes without saying that Seacrest would be happy to provide Ripa with a matzo ball or two, should she ever find herself in need.