Following the announcement that the Live! co-host chair will finally be filled, reports have circulated that the spot has been given to Michael Strahan, according to Broadcasting and Cable.
Live! has been hosted by Kelly Ripa, alone, since Regis Philbin left last November. Since his departure, 59 people guest co-hosted next to Ripa, including her husband Mark Consuelos, journalist Anderson Cooper, actor Neil Patrick Harris, comedian Jerry Seinfeld, and Strahan.
Strahan, known for his time with the NFL's New York Giants, has co-hosted with Ripa before and after Philbin's departure, which gives the audience a familiar face to look at.
The Los Angeles Times reported that Strahan will be "juggling" with the new hosting job as he is also host of Fox NFL Sunday, filmed on the west coast as opposed to Live! in New York. Strahan could work the double-duty as he previously starred in the Fox sitcom Brothers while performing duties on Fox NFL Sunday.
Latinos Post speculated yesterday that Strahan was one of the potential candidates for the daily morning show.
If the report is true, Strahan will make his official debut as co-host on the show's Sept. 4 season premiere, featuring guests Claire Danes and American Idol winner Phillip Phillips.
According to Broadcasting and Cable, ABC has so far declined to comment.