Russ never sleeps (Part 2)

It’s not like “The Early Show” to make a lot of noise, but it’s been a busy week over there. First came the news of Rene Syler’s departure (Dec. 22), and now they’ve announced that Russ Mitchell becomes the show’s first news anchor (Jan. 2)- perhaps a harbinger of further changes to the show’s lineup.

Mitchell will eventually be replaced as co-host of the “Saturday Early Show” but will continue anchoring Sunday’s “CBS Evening News.” Elsewhere in the morning, “Good Morning America” gets star-struck next week:

Matthew Fox, Julia Roberts, Angelina Jolie, Gwen Stefani and Matt Damon all stopping by (7-9 a.m./Ch. 7).

“Today,” meanwhile, finished last week in first place (6.1 million viewers), marking 11 straight years in the top slot.

Last, but not least:

* Jackie “The Joke Man” Martling returns to his old stomping grounds today, guesthosting on 92.3 FM (1-2 p.m.).

* Kirk Douglas, who turned 90 yesterday, was presented with a cake by Mary Hart on “ET.” It airs tonight (7:30/Ch. 2).

* Sunday on ESPN (9 p.m.): “Ali Rap,” hosted by Chuck D, celebrates the life of Muhammad Ali.

* Fine Living Network’s “Opening Soon: By Design,” trailing the staff of Animal Haven Soho as they prepare for their Dec. 12 opening party boasting guests including Bernadette Peters, Bebe Neuwirth and Lynn Redgrave.

* CNN has won two Business and Financial Reporting Emmys (documentaries on identity theft and the black market for infertile couples).

* David Soren’s 2003 biography of Vera-Ellen optioned by Di Dean for a possible TV movie (starring Dean).

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* “The King of Queens” returned for its final (shortened) season Wednesday to big numbers. The CBS sitcom, starring Kevin James (left), snared 9.4 million viewers to win its 8 p.m. timeslot and won all key demos.