People talk 03/05/03

Regis launches talent search for co-host

NEW YORK -- Regis Philbin has found a way to feed off "American Idol" and mark time until co-host Kelly Ripa returns from maternity leave.

"Live With Regis and Kelly" has launched a talent search for a co-host that will culminate with the winner working as Philbin's partner on the talk show's April 16 edition.

The winner also gets a $10,000 contract with Buena Vista Television to work on possible TV projects and a one-year contract with talent agency N.S. Bienstock.

A panel of judges that includes former "American Idol" co-host Brian Dunkleman will judge the entrants and come up with 10 finalists.

Phone-in votes from viewers will determine the eventual winner, just like Fox's hit prime-time show.

"Here's the chance to become the TV star you always knew you could be," Philbin said Monday.

Now showing on MTV: 'Doggy Fizzle Televizzle'

NEW YORK -- The TV network that brought you "The Osbournes" is banking on Snoop Dogg as a variety host, a practical-joking Ashton Kutcher and surfer girls.

MTV's new series for the spring and summer include "Doggy Fizzle Televizzle," the rapper's variety show. A pilot that aired in December featured Snoop Dogg working as a substitute teacher and at a fast-food restaurant's drive-thru.

Kutcher ("That '70s Show") will be the host of a comedy show where he plays practical jokes on celebrity friends, while the reality series "Surf Girls" will follow amateur surfers competing for a sponsorship deal at some of the world's hottest surfing spots.

If that's not enough, "The Osbournes" show returns on June 10, MTV announced Monday.

'Joe Millionaire' beauty adjusting to fame

NEW YORK -- The price of fame is high these days for "Joe Millionaire" winner Zora Andrich, and the payout may be low.

In the last month, Andrich has gone from a chateau in France to making local corporate appearances and working the talk show circuit.

She appeared by herself Monday night at the Copacabana Club in New York City.

Evan Marriott, her made-for-TV boyfriend, has been absent from all her events.

She wasn't wearing the diamond ring Marriott gave her on the last episode of the Fox television series.

Andrich was there on behalf of the Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc., a gaming company based in Biloxi, Miss., which threw a party to launch a new advertising campaign and celebrate its opening of the Nasdaq Tuesday morning.

Smiling for photo after photo, constantly adjusting her black jacket and tight black pants, she seemed uncomfortable with her newfound fame.

"It's really odd," the 29-year-old New Jersey schoolteacher said. "For real celebrities, their entrance into the spotlight is gradual. By the time they make their $20 million movie they're prepared to handle the fame. For me it was normal one day, crazy the next."

Marriott chose Andrich from 20 women who were vying for his affection.

They were told he'd inherited $50 million; in reality, he was a construction worker who made $19,000 a year.

-- From wire reports