Letterman not ready to come back to work

NEW YORK (AP) -- There won't be a Valentine's Day return to the air for heart patient David Letterman.<br><br>Instead, CBS will continue to air versions of "Late Show Backstage," where stars are

Thursday, February 10th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

NEW YORK (AP) -- There won't be a Valentine's Day return to the air for heart patient David Letterman.

Instead, CBS will continue to air versions of "Late Show Backstage," where stars are interviewed reminiscing about their
appearances on Letterman's show. With guests like Julia Roberts and Jerry Seinfeld this week, the specials have been unexpected ratings winners.

Drew Barrymore and Ray Romano will appear next Monday, interviewed by Paul Shaffer, "Late Show" executive producer Rob Burnett said Thursday.

Robin Williams, Bill Murray and Alec Baldwin are other potential guests next week.

"This idea will run its course by the end of next week," Burnett said.

If Letterman is not ready to return by Feb. 21, CBS will likely use guest hosts to fill in for him "or some other crazy idea," he said.

There had been rumors that Letterman would be ready to come back by Feb. 14, but Burnett said they were overstated. He said
Letterman is recovering from his Jan. 14 emergency bypass with no complications.