KELLY RIPA'S CHARISMATIC DAYTIME CO-HOST, REGIS PHILBIN, GUEST STARS ON ABC'S "HOPE & FAITH"

"Car Commercial" -- Emmy winner and legendary talk show host Regis Philbin joins ABC Television's hit sitcom, "Hope & Faith," in a guest-starring role as Handsome Hal Halverson, a used car salesman who hires Faith to co-star in his commercial in exchange for a free car. He soon discovers he got more than he bargained for when Faith tries to upstage him. Meanwhile, Hope is confident that Charley will remember the anniversary of their first kiss, on "Hope & Faith," FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31 (9:00-9:30 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network. (Rebroadcast. OAD: 11/7/03)

Editors please note: This episode replaces "Faith's Husband," which had been scheduled for this time.

"Hope & Faith" stars Faith Ford as Hope, Kelly Ripa as Faith, Ted McGinley as Charley, Nicole Paggi as Sydney, Macey Cruthird as Hayley and Paulie Litt as Justin.

Guest stars are Regis Philbin as Handsome Hal Halverson, Tonye Patano as receptionist, Christopher Jewett as director and Michael Bachmann as the fan.

"Car Commercial" is written by Taylor Hamra; the director is Gil Junger.

"Hope & Faith" is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1-channel surround sound.

This program carries a TV-PG parental guideline.