POP culture alert: An unexpected resurgence of Brian Dunkleman, the actor-comedian who made show business history when he quit his co-hosting role on American Idol after its first season (he didn’t like the sadism inflicted on the young contestants -Simon Cowell called it tht biggest mistake in industry history), writes Anorak’s man in LA.

Dunkleman’s cohost Ryan Seacrest went on to Hollywood prominence and power. Dunkleman went on to the “Where Are They Now?” files. And Celebrity Fit Club.

Until now. Heroic Dunkleman appeared at the top of last night’s Idol premiere in what had to be a heart-wrenching half-second cameo (in a reprise of Seacrest saying “This” over seven seasons leadin into his “This is American Idol” open)er. Tomorrow, he’s featured in a new episode of My Name Is Earl (see above), and we are hearing there is about to be some kind of major Dunkleman announcement on Monday.

– Tabloid Baby