Michael Strahan reportedly named 'Live!' co-host

Michael Strahan reportedly named ‘Live!’ co-host

By Meredith Blake

Aug. 21, 2012 12 AM PT

Michael Strahan will join Kelly Ripa as co-host of “Live!” next month, according to a report published today in Broadcasting & Cable.

A former defensive end for the New York Giants, Strahan has guest-hosted “Live!” numerous times and was widely considered one of the leading contenders to fill the void left by Regis Philbin, who retired last November after 28 years on the show. Since his departure, some 59 temporary co-hosts, including Alec Baldwin and Seth Meyers, have joined Ripa on the syndicated morning talk show. On Monday, ABC-Disney Domestic Television announced that a permanent co-host had been selected and would be unveiled Sept. 4, prompting further speculation about the identity of Ripa’s new partner.

Representatives for “Live!” and Strahan both declined to comment on the report.

If Strahan does join “Live!,” he’s going to rack up some serious frequent flier miles. He’s currently one of the hosts of the popular football pregame program “Fox NFL Sunday,” which tapes in Los Angeles, and is expected to retain the role, meaning lots of Sunday-night flights back to New York, where “Live!” originates. No doubt Ripa, who has over the years juggled her “Live!” hosting gig with roles on “Hope & Faith” and “All My Children,” can give him some advice.

ALSO:

If Strahan lands “Live!,” he’ll still keep Fox Sports job

Kelly Ripa will get a new “Live!” partner next month

‘SNL’ funnyman Seth Meyers says no (five times) to Regis Philbin’s old job

Follow Meredith Blake on Twitter @MeredithBlake