Dick Clark and Ryan Seacrest share New Year's Eve celebration

[Lacrosse Boy]

Dick Clark and Ryan Seacrest share New Year's Eve celebration

JEFF WILSON

Associated Press


LOS ANGELES - Dick Clark and Ryan Seacrest will co-host the 34th edition of "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve" from Times Square on Dec. 31.

The 75-year-old "American Bandstand" icon's appearance on the live ABC-TV special will be his first since a Dec. 6 stroke resulted in a seven-week hospital stay followed by rehabilitation at his Malibu home.

"He's doing really well," Clark publicist Paul Shefrin said Monday. "He's walking. He's talking. He's living a fairly normal life."

Clark, who was forced to cancel as host of the "New Year's Rockin' Eve" show last year, hasn't appeared on television or done interviews since his stroke.

"He just wants to fine tune it before he sticks his head out - makes his return to television," said Shefrin, who has refused to discuss the impact of what he would only describe as a minor stroke.

Clark said in a statement Monday that he was pleased with the dick clark productions inc. partnership with Seacrest.

"It will be good to be back in New York again for New Year's and I'm elated that Ryan has agreed to join me in ushering in New Year's on America's favorite holiday special. This also gives me the opportunity to welcome him to the position," Clark said.

"American Idol" host Seacrest agreed to a multiyear deal to executive produce and join Clark as "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve" co-host. Seacrest will eventually take over as sole host.

"I am very grateful to be part of this institution. Dick Clark is an American icon. I am honored that he has entrusted me with such a role in this national tradition," Seacrest said in a statement.

[zapatabe]

I hate Ryan Seacrest, but I watch American Idol so does that make me a hypocrite.

[MattO]

Is Dick Clark going to Kirk Douglas' speech pathologist?

[Scott in LA]

I hate Ryan Seacrest, I don't watch American Idol, and I'm toying with writing a letter to New Year's Rockin' Eve saying I'll never watch again with him as host. I never really watch it anyway, but I just feel like writing a nasty anti-Seacrest letter.

[zapatabe]

I hate Ryan Seacrest, I don't watch American Idol, and I'm toying with writing a letter to New Year's Rockin' Eve saying I'll never watch again with him as host. I never really watch it anyway, but I just feel like writing a nasty anti-Seacrest letter.

Good idea.

[MattO]

I hate Ryan Seacrest, I don't watch American Idol, and I'm toying with writing a letter to New Year's Rockin' Eve saying I'll never watch again with him as host. I never really watch it anyway, but I just feel like writing a nasty anti-Seacrest letter.

Dear ABC,

Bla bla bla bla

Sincerely,

Scott in LA

P.S. If Ryan would come to my estate for dinner and cocktails, I would consider retracting this note.

[jonvn]

Why do people hate Ryan Seacrest?

[zapatabe]

Why do people hate Ryan Seacrest?

He seems fake like he will do whatever to stay on top, and when he has his fights with Simon he seems so stupid.

[dizniephan]

This is good news. I'm glad that Dick will be back for New Years Eve. As far as Ryan goes I like him and don't have any problems with him.

[suttytx]

He seems fake like he will do whatever to stay on top, and when he has his fights with Simon he seems so stupid.

The man's making a pretty nice living doing what he does, fake or not. Good for him.

I'd become a gigolo if I was paid that well. A very sad, pathetic, often-in-tears gigolo, but a gigolo nonetheless.

One more time: gigolo.