ABC beat critics to the chase this morning by planting comedian Jimmy Kimmel in the audience during a Q&A session with ABC Entertainment President Steve McPherson.

Kimmel asked McPherson — “Is it McPherson or McPhorson?” — about rumors that ABC is pursuing Jay Leno, whose contract with NBC expires next year. McPherson dodged the question, after which Kimmel asked: “Are you at all afraid that if you do replace Jimmy Kimmel, he might do something crazy to you or our car?”

Then: “I’ll be out in the parking lot.”

McPherson had high praise for Leno, saying that “I can’t believe [NBC is] going to let this guy go at the top of his game.” In the event of any negotiations between the network and the late-night star, “Jimmy will be involved in those talks.”

Some other highlights from the ABC executive session, which kicked off the network’s two-day stop on the Summer Press Tour:

–Katherine Heigl is “absolutely” staying on Grey’s Anatomy, and “there’s an unbelievable story line for her this year.”

–Kate Walsh will get back to doing actual surgeries next season on Private Practice.

–ABC will not be changing the tone of Pushing Daisies.

–The Bachelor is not on the fall schedule because they are still looking for a suitable bachelor.

–Katie Holmes is “fabulous” and “exquisite” in her upcoming guest role on Eli Stone.

–No celebrity versions of Wipeout are in the works.