Clayson Suggests Gumbel Replacement

RADNOR, Pa. (AP) _ Jane Clayson, a co-host on CBS's ``The Early Show,'' has a suggestion for who should replace the departing Bryant Gumbel: late-night television host David Letterman. <br><br>``He's

Monday, April 29th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

RADNOR, Pa. (AP) _ Jane Clayson, a co-host on CBS's ``The Early Show,'' has a suggestion for who should replace the departing Bryant Gumbel: late-night television host David Letterman.

``He's on at 11:30 p.m. He could stick around for a couple more hours,'' Clayson told TV Guide for its May 4 issue. ``He'd be fun.''

Clayson said Gumbel called her into his office before his surprise announcement.

``He said he's moving into a new phase in his life,'' she told the magazine. ``He's getting married. He's tired of waking up early. Tired of doing this.''

As for the uncertainty surrounding Gumbel's replacement, Clayson said she's not fretting.

``I'm very confident and calm about the whole thing,'' she said. ``I am looking forward to taking on more responsibility.''