Kelly Ripa

It all started innocently enough.

Clay Aiken co-hosted Live with Regis and Kelly Friday morning. We assume the American Idol runner-up was simpy playing around when he stuck his hand over the mouth of Kelly Ripa - but Kelly saw nothing funny about the incident.

Our gal responded: "I don't know where that hand has been!"

It was a seemingly innocuous remark, especially coming from the (beautiful) mouth of a mother of three kids during cold and flu season.

Tell that to Rosie O'Donnell, however. Reviewing the incident on The View today, Rosie claimed:

"To me that was a homophobic remark ... If that was a straight man, if that was a cute man, if that was a guy that she didn't question his sexuality, she would have said a different thing. I was very offended by that ... I guarantee, if that was Mario Lopez, she would not have said the same thing."

Such an absurd statement prompted Ripa to call into the show to defend herself, saying she has no fear of gays.

"You have to be more responsible," she told Rosie. "Not everybody is homophobic."

Amen, Kel! We're sure Lindsay Lohan isn't. She'd probably take it from any guy.

The last time we compared celebrity faces, it was an uncomfortable affair. Abbie Cornish and Reese Witherspoon?

No wonder Ryan Phillippe won't return our calls. But our job is to report the truth.

Which is why Kelly Ripa may not be too pleased with this week's selection of look-alikes. Nevertheless, we forge ahead with the remarkable resemblance.

If it's any comfort, Kelly, it's not that you've gotten a myriad of plastic surgery, like Tara Reid has admitted to. It's just that you look like you have. Feel better now?

Call us.

Some people - even many on The Hollywood Gossip staff - don't understand our affection for Kelly Ripa.

Granted, she's underweight. But we're not talking about Kate Bosworth levels here; Regis' sidekick just needs to eat a few more cinnamon buns here and there.

Overall, Ripa is bubbly, pretty and puts her family first. That's why you can count this blogger, at least, as one who's excited about the rumors of her life becoming a sitcom.

The actress and talk show host is developing a pilot for the CW network based on her children and occupations. She and hubby Mark Consuelos met on the soap opera All My Children, while their trials and tribulations together are constant fodder for chat and chiding by Philbin every morning.

Of course, Ripa's last sitcome - Hope and Faith - made Mischa Barton on The OC seem entertaining. But we believe in Kelly.

If Kevin Federline gets to be on TV just once, Ripa deservs multiple appearances.

Ah, yes, that is the question.

Due to overwhelming reader feedback regarding our last Kelly Ripa picture, we've included another ... with a twist! Let us know if you prefer Regis' sidekick with make up or without.

Or does it not matter as long as her dress is low cut? It's really up to you.

That's really all we have to say at this time. No breaking news to report on this energetic, bubbly beauty. We don't even think Ripa is pregnant again yet.

Here is Regis' pal, however, helping out at Super Saturday 9, a charitable event sponsored by the Ovarian Cancer Fund.