Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa of "Live! with Regis and Kelly" broadcast their show on the waterfront in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island on Monday, July 12, 2010.Andrew Vaughan/The Canadian Press
Regis and Kelly wrap up PEI broadcasts with thanks for Canadian hospitality
Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa wrapped up nearly a week of shows from Prince Edward Island with a beach bash and many thanks for all the Canadian hospitality.
The hosts of "Live! with Regis and Kelly" began their final episode with a salute from two CF-18 fighter planes, which circled the cheering crowd.
Thousands have turned out for the duo's four special tapings, which took place over the course of two days on Charlottetown's Confederation Landing Park.
Throughout the visit, the morning duo gushed over the island's lush scenery and fresh seafood, with Ms. Ripa saying on Thursday's episode that she was already planning a return.
Guests for the final broadcast included "Sex and the City" hunk John Corbett, whose girlfriend Bo Derek was sitting in the front row.
"24" star Elisha Cuthbert also brought NHL boyfriend Dion Phaneuf, and the pop band OneRepublic performed.
Tourism officials are hoping publicity from the shows - which aired Monday through Thursday on CTV - will lead to a boost in tourism. Earlier in the week, the province cracked the Top 10 Google searches in the United States.
The popular U.S. morning-show stars were to resume broadcasts from the show's home in New York on Friday.
Before leaving, Mr. Philbin said he was grateful for the warm welcome they received in Canada's smallest province.
"Honest to God we really are taken by Prince Edward Island, and all of you for being so hospitable," Mr. Philbin said to hoots from the audience.
"It's one of those places where Mark and I are planning our return trip before we leave," Ms. Ripa added, referring to her husband.
Thursday's episode included a final attempt to get the picky Mr. Philbin to eat fish - this time an oyster on a potato crostini and a fried clam slider with ketchup. He gamely downed them to the crowd's delight.