Michael Strahan named Kelly Ripa’s new co-host: reports

So much for waiting until the September 4 announcement. On Tuesday – two weeks ahead of schedule – the secret that Kelly Ripa’s new “Live!” co-host is going to be former NFL star Michael Strahan was leaked. Although reps for the morning talk show won’t confirm the news, multiple outlets are reporting that the lovable New York Giants defensive end beat out Josh Groban, Seth Meyers, Nick Lachey, and even Ripa’s own husband Mark Consuelos for the coveted job.

Strahan’s agent was spotted “grinning from ear to hear” just outside the building where “Live!” is taped on Tuesday, according to TMZ.

Strahan, 40, has appeared alongside Ripa, 41, multiple times since the departure of Regis Philbin last November. He finally got the chance to audition to be her permanent co-host in June – around the same time when, during an interview with “Magic Mike” star Channing Tatum, Strahan ripped off his pants and started dancing suggestively to “It’s Raining Men” to much applause from the female audience.

The Los Angeles Times reports that if the Super Bowl champ does in fact get the “Live!” gig, he will continue his tenure as a football analyst for “Fox NFL Sunday.”

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