Kelly Ripa’s search for a new co-host is finally over. Former New York Giants All-Pro, Michael Strahna,is set to pull up a chair next to Ripa, replacing Regis Philbin as her co-Hhost on Live.
According to a report by Broadcastingcable.com, Disney-ABC Domestic TV is expected to announce next month that Strahan will start his new job in November.
Strahan, who formerly played defensive end for the New York Giants, is currently a football analyst on Fox NFL Sunday. His other TV experience includes a brief stint on the Fox sitcom, Brothers. He emerged as the first choice after appearing on the show as a guest co-host after Philbin’s departure.
When Philben retired in late 2011, several celebrities stepped in as guest co-host. Jerry Seinfeld, Neil Patrick Harris, Jim Parsons, Alec Baldwin, Kim Kardashian, Mary J. Blige, Josh Groban, Pat Kiernan and Ripa’s husband, Mark Consuelos were among those that took turns hosting the show alongside Kelly Ripa.
Besides Strahan, however, the co-host names that were being thrown around to be the permanent replacement were Groban and Kiernan.
When he becomes Ripa’s permanent sidekick, Michael Strahan is expected to remain in his role with Fox NFL Sunday.
Live’s new season premieres Sept. 3.
