Mario Is the New Regis

So ladies, we got to wondering, in the event a long-overdue retirement comes to fruition, what do you think of Mario Lopez as a permanent Regis replacement?  Too chipper? Too dimple-y? Too much of a sordid past (not really)?... He was 'AC Slater' in Saved by the Bell, after all.

Mario is joined by his mom Elvia Lopez and co-host Kelly Ripa on a 'Grilling With the Stars' segment for some barbecuing during ABC's 'Regis & Kelly' on Monday.

We do know Mario has this going for him: He is a lot more smooth and taut than Regis (sorry, Reeg!).

Photography by DISCIULLO