People talk 8/27/03

Ripa tired of rumors about fights with Regis

NEW YORK -- Kelly Ripa says she's tired of the rumors that she and her "Live With Regis and Kelly" co-host Regis Philbin don't get along.

"There are two men in my life I've never fought with. One is my husband, the other is my co-host," Ripa told Lifetime magazine for its September issue. "Every day before we go on the air, we tell each other, 'I'm really glad I'm here.'

"It's our moment together," she continued. "I adore Regis. He's given me so much. My quality of life has improved drastically. He took me under his wing and made this an easy transition for me."

They even have nicknames for each other: She calls Philbin "Big Daddy" and Philbin calls her "Pipa."

The 32-year-old never wanted to compare herself to her predecessor, Kathie Lee Gifford, who sat next to Philbin on the morning talk show for 15 years. Ripa took over the job in February 2001.

"I didn't want to fill her shoes," Ripa said. "I just wanted to bring my own pair."

The former "All My Children" actress is married to her former co-star, Mark Consuelos, with whom she has three children.

-- From wire reports