Keke Palmer has done such a great job filling in as a guest host on “Strahan and Sara” that ABC executives are said to be looking to add her as a permanent presenter.
Palmer has been stepping in to fill the hosting duties of Sara Haines with Michael Strahan through the summer while the journalist was out on maternity leave. Now that Haines is back on the program, however, the actress’ on-screen charisma reportedly has led to her consideration to be a third co-host.
“ABC execs are close to finalizing a deal . . . She’s fun, spontaneous and has great energy,” a source divulged to Page Six Tuesday, July 30. Palmer is supposedly just days out from signing a deal with ABC to be part of the morning talk show.
The star has also taken on general guest-hosting duties even since Haines returned to the “Good Morning America” spinoff.
“Keke has been so much fun filling in, so they decided to make her an offer,” the publication’s source said. “The audience knows her and she’s got great chemistry with both [hosts].”
Reportedly, ABC hopes that by adding Palmer to the hosts lineup, the program will have younger viewers tuning in. With a deal said to be finalized by the end of the week, it’s not quite clear whether “Strahan and Sara” will retain its current name or change it. When the program started last year following the cancellation of “The Chew,” it had the name “GMA Day.” The title was changed to its current name in January.
Palmer started filling in for Haines and co-hosting with Strahan starting in June. That came after Palmer initially hosted the program with the former “Today Show” correspondent in April.
“When Michael was traveling a few months back, I had the best time with one of our guest hosts,” Haines said at the time, according to Good Housekeeping. “She’s super talented and we danced and we had so much fun.”
Back when it was announced that Palmer would be hosting the show with Strahan through the summer, fans made it clear they want to see more of her in that arena.
“Can keke get her own show already?? It’s time!”
“Check my girl KeKe on the come up. Can’t stop won’t stop!!!”
“Seriously, LOVE KEKE!! She is a FANTASTIC host! When she did Wendy Williams show while Wendy was out she was AMAZING! And when she is with Michael i am ALWAYS tuned in!! Love you girl!”
