Updated: Fri Aug. 21 2009 12:45:18

ctvbc.ca

LIVE! With Regis and Tamara. If Canadians could have their say, CTV Weathercaster would be made a permanent co-host with legendary host Regis Philbin. Earlier this morning at 9:00 a.m., CTV British Columbia's own Tamara Taggart sat beside Regis as his co-host for a day on LIVE! With Regis and Kelly. The show was taped on Thursday morning at ABC studios in New York.

"Well, it ranks No. 1, for sure," Tamara Taggart said of the experience. "It was everything I thought it was going to be, plus more."

Taggart was selected to co-host the program after entering the Local to LIVE!: Co-Host for a Day talent search last month. After weeks of waiting, she finally found herself behind the scenes at LIVE! on Thursday morning, anxiously awaiting show time.

"I had a bit of the dry mouth," she said. "And butterflies in my tummy."

Sitting in her dressing room, Taggart was greeted by host Regis Philbin, who then escorted her out to begin taping her big daytime TV debut.

"The best memory I have -- and there are quite a few from that short hour that went by so fast -- is Regis came by my dressing room and said, 'OK, kid, let's go,' and he grabbed my hand and he held my hand," Taggart said. "And we walked down the hallway holding hands. It was so sweet. He was giving me all these words of encouragement.

"He is incredibly gracious, and so kind and funny and witty," she said. "I mean this guy is sharp."

On the program, Taggart and Philbin interviewed Fox News journalist Geraldo Rivera and actress Renee Zellweger -- who she chatted with about her hometown.

"She was amazing, she was a great interview - and she had lots to say about Vancouver!" she said.

Zellweger said she has many fond memories of filming in Vancouver, and singles out Hastings Street for its eclectic residents.

Tamara made a couple of references to Vancouver hosting the 2010 Winter Games and presented Regis with a Quatchi doll.

Tamara arrived in The Big Apple on Tuesday night, along with her musician husband Dave Genn of the band 54-40. It's her first time in New York, she says, and now that taping is wrapped she plans to live it up and see the sights.

"We're having fun," she said. "The kids are at home, and yeah, we decided to make a little weekend out of it."

Stay tuned to CTV News at Six on Monday for an exclusive look at behind the scenes with Regis and Tamara and on CTV News at Six on Tuesday as Tamara does Manhattan.

Please Add Comments(86)

Angad
Congrats Tamara! You were great on the show! :)

Judy
Just finished watching the R & T show. You were awesome!! I know you said you were nervous etc, but it sure didn't show. I love how you kept Regis on his toes!!

You are such a great Ambassador for everything Canadian, and I have a great idea. You should have your own talk show!! The only person I can think of to be your co-host is Rick Hansen, as he is also one of our greatest Canadians.

Great show today, and thanks for all the hard work you put into it, and every day you are on the air. You're a great assest to CTV Vancouver, and I'm glad the world will see you doing the Olympics weather.

SUSANNA16
well done Tamara. you did us proud. and you looked so beautiful as well. congrats. i even taped it for my hubby...

susanna

Ron McFadyen
Tamara.....you are the best, were fabulous on the show with Regis ...we are all pround of you..all the best from the Yukon Territory.
Ron in Whitehorse (CBC retired)

MJ
Tamara, you were the classiest individual on the Regis show. Well done. You were a terrific ambassador for Canada.

Iris Jones
You were great Tamara! You looked so at ease with Regis. You were very professional and an excellent ambassador for Vancouver and Canada. Well done!

Donna from Gibsons
Well done Tamera. The town of Gibsons must have been watching, not much moving here during the hour.
You did us proud.
Donna

Jean Gavazza
I am SO upset...I set my VCR to tape the show, and to my dismay found I had set the time for 9PM. Is there any chance that the show will be shown again? (fingers crossed)

Erin
Awesome job Tamara!! We were all cheering for you and you did great! Enjoy New York City!!

Mike from Manitoba
Hey Tamara:

You made me proud to be a Canadian. I don't usually watch Regis Live, but as my home page is CTV I was interested in your co-hosting. You did a FABULOUS job, way to go. The sad thing is with your talent you are likely destined for bigger and better things outside of Canada. The good thing is you will continue to make Canada Proud.

Mike from Manitoba

L Pederson
Wonderful, just wonderful Tamara... as Judy mentioned below what an Ambassador for Canada, British Columbia and Vancouver you were today... so well done and you were just grand. Nervous, don't think so! Good promo tape the people at CTV put together for you too. And a gift for Mr. Trouble...well done! Thanks for a great show Tamara, enjoyed it immensely. Linda

Deanne from Bowser, BC
Tamara made us Canadians proud today on Live with Regis & Kelly. Well done Tamara!

Brian from Vancouver
well done Tamara! I caught the first bit on WGN before going to work. You are definitely not just a weather 'girl'. Well done in holding your own with Regis.

R D
Congrats Tamara.You did an excellent job. I was so glad you didn't try to mirror Kelly and keep interrupting Regis with trivial silliness. Being yourself proved to be much more watchable.Usually, I can only give that show about 4 seconds of my time, but today I watched the whole hour. You were very professional. I sure wish I'd been there to sample that "pulled pork sandwich". Boy, that sounded good. Take care and wishing you continued TV success.

Rosalind
You did GREAT today, Tamara. Congratulations!

Lavana
Dear: Ctv news vancouver
Tammara taggart was great today on regis. I like how rene zellwinger liked hastings street in vancouver. I like how tammara showed her
little video all about her and her husband plays for
a band . she has alot going for her I hope someone
discovers her more and gvies her a job offer in the
states. All the best tammara. good luck to you
and enjoy new york. Take care from Diane D.

Bill and Heather
Dear Tamara
You did us proud! We very much enjoyed seeing the program with Regis. Every evening at 6:00 PM our house is tuned in to watch Bill, Pamela, Tamara and Perry. Please do not leave us for any thing in the Big Apple or anywhere else!.
Sincerely...Bill and Heather Hacock in Ashcroft BC.

Nicola and David Finch
My husband and I never watch daytime television but made a special point of watching ‘our weather woman’ on Regis and Kelly this morning. We are SO proud of Tamara! Confident, bright, poised, beautiful and kind ~ that’s our Tami! She made us proud to be Canadians. Congratulations Tamara! And thank you!

With warmest regards,

Nicola and David

Margaret
Watched Tamara Taggart on 'Regis and Kelly' today. What a fine job she did- very poised, friendly, knowledgeable- Vancouver should be proud!

conni
Dear Tamara (The Great)

Comments: FANTASTIC doesn't even cover it Girl.You rocked Regis' world today, I could tell he was really impressed. You had just the right balance of Sass and Respect when it came to your chemistry with Regis. I know I am not the only one that thought you were the best Local to Live co-host and your introduction Video was also Stellar.
It was a tough line-up and you handled it with Grace and Humour ~ LOVED IT!!!!
Congratulations are in order and believe me when I say you could not have done better = 10 outta 10 ~ your fan forever, Conni Smudge

Marion Jessen
Congratulations, Tamara. Wonderful job on Live with Regis! You were a natural and made us all proud that you are our local weather forecaster.

Marion Jessen
Parksville, BC

Dorothy
Kudo's to you Tamara!! Wonderbar!! What a delight!! And to CTV staffers great intro!!
Dorothy

sharon
i like to say i would like to contact tamara myself. i saw the episode today with regis live with a cohost for the day...

a canadian weather person...

tell tamara she is a good person...


sharon in santa rosa ca

Bonnie
Hi There, I am a fairly recent transplant from Vancouver (60+ yrs.) and now living in Belleville ON I can't really express how much I enjoyed spending the hour with Regis & Tamara this A.M. I never watch "the show" but had a heads-up from all four of my Kids (Vancouver/Burnaby/Surrey)as they know how much I had enjoyed following Tamara as she grew in her career and family life.
YOU DID YOURSELF AND US PROUD GIRL!!!!!
Love, Bonnie

Scott Jackson
I just wanted to comment on what a fabulous job Tamara did on Regis and Kelly.

She is a total class act and out-shone Regis and I hate to say it, even Rene.

Tamara you made Vancouver, B.C. and Canada proud!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tony & Elaine Bennett
We have just watched “our girl” as we taped her back east. She really did us proud. She was beautiful, elegant, did not try to take over the show as some girls did. She was the best of the five co-hosts and was a credit to Vancouver and Canada. WELL DONE. Tony and Elaine Bennett, Victoria, B.C.

Dot in Gibsons
Congratulations and well done. You were articulate, funny and warm. Also congrats to the team at CTV who put that tape together for you...great highlight reel and they really showcased your talent and energy.
Best wishes for continued success

Sorata
Just want to say that Tamara did an excellent job! You were beautiful and very graceful. I can't believe how natural you were as well. Everything went so smoothly.

You're awesome!

Brian in Burnaby
Super job A real class act. Oprah is next

Gord
Congrats Tamara ... hands down the best co-host of the week! Way to do BC ... and Canada proud!

Vancouver Girl
Well done Tamara!!!

Dawn
I hope you're really proud of yourself Tamara.... well deserved and you did a fantastic job!

Pat in the Valley
Tamara - you made all of Canada so very proud. Rarely watch the show but made a point to watch today. You were natural, graceful, gorgeous and very very professional. Definitely a pro! Congratulations indeed.

Tasneem
Congratulations Tamara!! You did a great job and you looked fantastic too!!!

Jeff
Tamara looked really comfortable on the show and she did a great job representing Vancouver and Canada.

Rick
Job well done Tamara. Wow I must say you are a natural. Hope we don't loose you to the big American Networks

Karine in BC
You were a true Ambassador from Canada and BC, too! I'd be sad to see you leave Vancouver, but you are definitely talk show or host material! Good luck :)

David
I watched you promoted Vancouver this morning and you even gave Quatchi to Regis!. You did not seem to be nervous at all.

My favourite Olympic Mascot is still Miga. How about you?

Enjoy NYC!.

Bev Maguire
I thought Tamara was awesome!She was natural,at ease and a credit to Canada!

Gloria
Tamara! What Incredible Class! You did us proud! You presented yourself with such dignity and diplomacy and presented Vancouver and the Olympics really well. I am sure your family and CTV must be beaming! Well Done!

Marilyn- Kitchener
Congrats Tamara You did a wonderful job and made us Canadians proud!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rose
Tamara is beautiful inside and out. She represented our country in such a positive light. I have watched Tamara on a show Love it or Lose It and enjoyed her light fun spirit. I was disappointed that she wasn't more like this since this show would have been a great platform for her personality. But this isn't anything negative towards Tamara....I just think Regis & fans missed out on even more but maybe we'll keep that hidden gem here in Canada..eh!!!

Great Job Tamara!!!

Kristina
Tamara, you knocked 'em dead this morning! Your smile just lights up the television and I think Regis was quite smitten! How could he not be? You were exquisite. Wonderful job. Vancouver is so proud.

Reg Manning
At the beginning Tamara Talked about Vancouver and herself for the first 6 min. of the show and it was great.

Then after that it seemed like Tamara had to fight Regis to stay on the scene.
But I have to admit she proved to be a girl (women) who was not going to be pushed aside.
Good job Tamara you looked great and did a good job

Lauren
Tamara did fantastic today on Live. I think Regis was quite taken with her. I think he called her beautiful more than a handful of times.

She didn't try to out talk Regis or blather on and on about certain things like a couple other co-hosts did this past week.

We love you Tamara! You made all of Canada proud today.

-Lauren, Surrey, BC

J. Snider
What a wonderful ambassador Tamara was for our province and country today.

Linda Prince
Well done Tamara, you did an excellent job. I watched all the other contestants for the week and you were the best.

Stan
Tamara!
I always say that you are the best but today you were FANTASTIC !!!!!
No one can match you as co-host.
Definitely you should have your own talk-show program.You are the best Canadian ambassador.We love you.

A Koster - BC
So the excess of talk about Whistler and 2010 was on the script? Was the made in China tag cut off before the Quatchi was given to Regis? Did Tamara mention the rats downtown? Did she talk about the thousands of homeless?
This was nothing more than a set up and a blatant plug for the Olympics. Guess the prospect of them failing dismally was too much for CTV and Campbell to bear.
I'm sure those performance bonuses will still be intact though for VANOC. Greed reigns supreme.

Gary from Calgary
A class act!

I had 4 hours sleep and tuned in from Calgary since I watch the weather when I go to Vancouver.

I am sure she will get some offers from the US Networks because of her natural charm.

The part about Hastings threw me from Rene and I laughed when she called the people eclectic.

Congrats Tamara

sue
Tamara you are beautiful and professional. I like you more now as I watched the past video that you prepared for Regis. I am so disappointed that I didn't know how great you are until I watched that video that you practiced with hockey players and other activities that you had in the neighbourhood or around the town. Go girl. you are awsome.

andi
Soon to be Regis and Tamara !! You did great, loved the show and Congrats. (my husband thought you were married to Squire Barns, LOL)

Penny Thorburn
Congratulations Tamara. We watched you this morning and we thought you did very well. We were impressed that you didn't seem to be intimated by Regis and spoke your own mind. Hope you enjoy your weekend in New York.

mariepmackie
Tamara, no surprise, you did an awesome job!We are so proud of you and how you presented Vancouver. It was obvious that Reg was enjoying your company. Way to go!!!!!!!

deng
To my favorite "weather woman": I didn't work today so I can watch you and Regis. You did a great job! We are so proud of you! Best of luck to you and your family.

Karen Trask
Tamara,
You did an excellent job on the show and were a natural. Congrats!

deb peebles
I am sooooo proud to be a Canadian today. Tamara showed the world that Canadians have class. You are a tough act to follow. I am proud of our weather-woman!! I watch your weather report faithly everynite. I had a lump in my throat this morning watching you on Live!!You did us proud. Thank-you!!!

Tammy
I have always enjoyed Tamara since she started the Community Calendar. Good show!

JJ
Tamara you were brilliant! A very good match for Regis' wit (and I especially enjoyed when you corrected his remark that you were a "weather girl"....) Go Weather Woman!!

christa
Tamara on Regis & Kelly, fabulous job Tamara, the best co-host all week. Personality, warmth, great posture, watch out Kelly!

Judith
After watching the Regis and Kelly guest co-hosts for the last two weeks, there is no doubt that they saved the best for last. Well done Tamara ! You seemed so comfortable and natural, I could watch you every day. Congratulations on a splendid job.

Judith from Surrey BC

Sherey
Tamara...you looked beautiful (of course, you always do)and showed your great style! I think you wowed New York!

Kayla
GREAT JOB TAMARA!
So proud of you! You did amazing!
I hope you get many more opportunities like this one, you deserve it!

Judith Anne
Tamara, your presence with Regis, definitely boosted the ratings! your poise and grace, beauty and intelligence and pure "natural" look with an air on soft confidence - representing with pride, Canada.
You were a joy to watch and appreciate as you appeared on the show.
Congratulations on a "star" performance, which I believe was not acted, but your "natural" self.

Judith Anne

Mary Wade
Congratulations Tamara, you made us all proud to be British Columbians and Canadian......you were a real natural with Regis, and I think he was very impressed!!! We certainly all were.
I had e-mailed all my friends and family to tell them to be sure and watch you with Regis. I had set the PVR to record at 6 am. However, at that same time, we experienced a terrific thunder and lightening storm....so tonight when I went to watch the tape, it was all digitalized so I was unable to watch it.....Thankfully, my family suggested I watch it on the computer......I was so happy not to have missed you.
Once again....well done!!!!

Barb
Bravo,Tamara. You did a great job. You displayed professionalism and poise and it really showed that you were enjoying yourself and taking the whole experience in. You handled Regis' interruptions and sudden changes of topics well and put up with Geraldo's non stop talking. Sorry Brad Pitt was a no show!!! Kudos to the CTV team who prepared your highlight clip. It really showed your personality. Enjoy the big apple.

pk in cloverdale
great job tamara.you are a great role model.you did good representing our province and our country.we are all proud of you.hope you enjoyed this wonderful opportunity.your fellow proud vancouverite and canadian.

Helena
WELL DONE TAMARA!!! YOU WERE AWESOME!!! YOU MADE VANCOUVER PROUD!! loved the the video clip of you and your background ( kudos for mentioning the Canucks ) and Renee was hilarious, I too was thrown back when she said that Hastings Street was her favourite!! lol

Andrea, Vancouver
Hi,
I made Vancouver my home couple of years ago...and today I must say I am so proud to be part of this city...I want to congratulate Tamara on amazing job she's done on Live with R&K. It's one of my favourite shows and Tamara was incredible there...very well done and I wish her all the best in her life...

Vic
Good job Tamara! You rock!!

Mike F
Tamara did an excellent job co-hosting with Regis. I watch the show ever day, and honestly, Tamara stood out compared to all the other guest co-hosts either Regis or Kelly had. Tamara came across so professional, calm, cool and collected, yet funny, and genuine. I watch Tamara, Pamela, Bill and Perry every night at 6pm. for a reason, they are all the best in Vancouver at what they do, they all seem to truly enjoy their jobs and truly like each other, it shows!!! Both before and after Tamara's appearance with Regis you could just see all her collegues are and were so genuinely happy for her, that says a lot about Tamara and a lot about them. Keep up the Great work Tamara and everyone at CTV.

Adele Priestley
Tamara you were as flawless as your skin!!!! I have been watching Live for years and this show was fabulous.....I was nervous for you before the show but soon found out I didn't need to be.....you really have "hutzpah" Congratulations!!
(ps i watched all three shows @6,7 and 9am)!! I think all of Vancouver was rooting for you.....
Adele P.

Jeff
Tamara did an awesome job. she is a natural on tv. I loved the video of her that they showed. I love how she promoted Vancouver and the Olympics. John Furlong and the committee must be very happy. She was amazing. Congratulations, Tamara

Bonnie Barron
I have NEVER made a web comment EVER but god I was proud of you, Vancouver and even "Hastings St" for the first time in my life. When I saw the CTV report with you, I cried I was so happy and could feel your happiness/excitement and pride. I was glad to hear Regis was nice to you. You were PERFECT and flawless and looked so slender and beautiful! Congratulations! Bonnie Maple Ridge, BC

Carol
You are the icing on the Regis cake, you are a class act Tamara

Jennifer
We are so proud of you. What a great job, you showed your poise, sophistication and your fun side. If Regis ever needs a new co-host you should be it. And on top of it all you looked beautiful and represented us so well.
Hurry home we miss you!

Nora
Hello Tamara!

You were great .
You are a lovely lady.
Nora

Ken & Pat, Powell River
we were so proud of you-good on ya.

Katie
You did us proud.

Dave T from Vancouver
I taped the show and watched it twice. You were simply awesome! Not nervous at all and looked right at home working alongside Regis who is probably fantastic to work with. Hoping this once in a lifetime experience will open doors to more future opportunities for you to host other shows (i.e. talk shows or award shows).

Congrats again Tamara! Keep up the good work because we love watching you on TV!

Jay from South Granville
Well done Tamara, you killed it!!

A great example of style, humour,
intelligence and class.

Congrats!!

Janet Bryan
Congratulations Tamara.....You were a class-act and outdid the other guest co-hosts by 100%. All Canadians, but especially, your fans in B.C., were so proud. You are destined for bigger things.

Darren A.
Great show Tamara! You've made all of Vancouver very proud...

Trish from Gabriola Island
Tamara - I watched the show with my Mom who was visiting from NS and my Aunt from ON. We were all very impressed with your poise and natural ability to fit into the show. You also added humour by keeping Regis on his toes during the contest segment! You made us all proud, Tamara. You would make a fantastic permanent replacement for Kelly. Congratulations on a job well done!!

Karla
Tamara looked stunning and was very professional on that show. I felt nervous for Tamara guest-hosting on LIVE!, but was relieved to witness the great interplay between Tamara and Regis. I'm happy they had such a wonderful taping.

carolannwills
I would very much like to see the Tamara takes New York show and have tuned in several times including Monday evening in hope of seeing it. Very disappointing that it was only a brief look at the show.Please let me know whether you plan to re-air it and when.I'm sure there are many others who wish to see it too.
Thank you
Carol Franchi