Regis Philbin — Frighteningly Frail & Seeking Forgiveness

Regis Philbin is suddenly looking shockingly frail — as insiders tell The National ENQUIRER that the 85-year-old is frantically trying to mend fences with his former “Live” co-host Kelly Ripa! Sources say that the TV icon may have just months to live, and would like nothing more than to spend what time he has left reunited with the perky blonde!

Regis may even get his wish as ABC execs mull over the idea of bringing back its former daytime star in the wake of co-host Michael Strahan moving to “Good Morning America.” But these new photos of Regis shopping in Beverly Hills show him looking disturbingly frail amid reports of bad health!

Regis' recent medical ailments include a triple bypass in 2007, a hip replacement in 2009 and the removal of a blood clot in May 2010. He’s also battled high cholesterol and blood pressure and has been treated for skin cancer and kidney stones. In 2013, he had stents put in his arteries to treat peripheral heart disease.

The ENQURIER caught him out with his wife Joy and looking much healthier in January 2016 — with a pal calling Regis a “comeback kid” after being named a special contributor to the fourth hour of NBC’s “Today” alongside Hoda Kotb and his old partner Kathie Lee Gifford. “He was starting to look like he was at death’s door,” said an insider, before he breathed new life into his fading career.

Now pals are hoping that Kelly Ripa will give Regis new inspiration, or at least let him go out on top! “Reege would be thrilled to rejoin the show,” said an insider, “as he never really wanted to leave in the first place.”

TV insiders also told The ENQUIRER that Regis' advancing age hasn't scared away some "Live" staffers. “While he skipped a few beats and was forgetful at times," said a source, "he did it in an endearing sort of way that still got laughs. He showed he pretty much still had what it took to get the job done."

A source adds that Regis even has his wife Joy’s blessings to reunite with Kelly — either in front of the cameras, or even off! “The ball is in Kelly’s court,” said the insider.