Bob Barker: ‘Happy’ Drew Will Carry On ‘Price’ Tradition’

Former “Price Is Right” host Bob Barker has spoken to Access Hollywood about the news Drew Carey is replacing him as host of the long-running game show.

“I’m happy for Drew Carey, but I had hoped the search would go on for a couple of years, because CBS would have to use my reruns and I could sit at home and be handsomely paid for it,” the TV legend joked in a statement released exclusively to Access.

Carey was confirmed as Barker’s replacement yesterday after weeks of speculation that had a host of stars, including Rosie O’Donnell and George Lopez, tipped for the post.

Barker confirmed he spoke with his successor by telephone and gave him some advice.

“I had a nice talk with Drew on the phone and I suggested that he goes on a month’s cruise to rest up for the start of the show. I told him that it would cost me a bundle if he started in September as scheduled,” Barker said, continuing with his rerun royalty gag.

While Carey’s cruise future is up in the air, Barker was thrilled to reveal that the comedian will be carrying on a longtime “Price” tradition.

“He said he would close the show with my spay/neuter plug for as long as he does ‘The Price Is Right,’” Barker said.