Hilary Duff to Host West Coast Segments of Dick Clark's New Years Rockin' Eve  11/28/05

HILARY DUFF TO PRESIDE OVER WEST COAST SEGMENTS OF ABC'S "DICK CLARK'S NEW YEAR'S ROCKIN' EVE 2006," DECEMBER 31st

Dick Clark and Ryan Seacrest to Host from New York

For the 34th consecutive year, "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve" will lead America into the New Year, and singer/actress Hilary Duff has been set to preside over the Hollywood party segments of the special, airing SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31 on the ABC Television Network. Dick Clark and Ryan Seacrest will report "live" on the festivities in New York, including the final minutes of the year 2005 with the traditional Times Square ball drop and countdown to midnight. Duff will perform three songs and introduce some of today's hottest musical artists.

Film, TV and pop music star Hilary Duff has had another banner year. Not only did her "Most Wanted" CD collection debut at No. 1 and go on to sell over 1 million copies, but she headlined a sold-out arena tour across the U.S., and celebrated her 18th birthday. Even with her nonstop schedule, Duff still makes time to give back to those less fortunate; in addition to being a charter member of the Kids with a Cause Foundation, Duff donated $250,000 to Hurricane Katrina Relief. Next up, she reprises her starring role in "Cheaper by the Dozen 2" and co-stars in "Material Girls" with her sister, Haylie.

Dick Clark, who returns to the festivities after missing last year's show, as he was recovering from a stroke, is one of the most recognized and popular personalities in entertainment in America. Ryan Seacrest became a household name in 2002 as the host of "American Idol," has continued his reign through the phenomenon's fourth season and is now gearing up for a fifth. He has hosted such top programs as "The Radio Music Awards," "The Billboard Music Awards," as well as a series of specials that he executive-produced under his production company, Ryan Seacrest Productions (RSP).

The broadcast will consist of three specials: "Dick Clark's Primetime New Year's Rockin' Eve 2006" (10:00-11:00 p.m., ET); "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve 2006 Part 1" (11:35 p.m. - 1:05 a.m., ET) and "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve 2006 Part 2" (1:05-2:05 a.m., ET). The show traditionally out-rates all of the other network competitive programming combined, and for many years has been the highest rated entertainment program for the entire week surrounding New Year's.

The specials are presentations of dick clark productions, inc. Dick Clark, Allen Shapiro and Ryan Seacrest are the executive producers. Larry Klein produces and Barry Glazer directs. New York segments are directed by Bob McKinnon. Writer is Barry Adelman. Production designer is Bruce Ryan. Executive in charge of production is Bob Bardo. Executive in charge of talent is Amy Striebel. Fran La Maina is executive in charge.

Source: ABC Press Release