Kelly Ripa will once again be interviewing candidates to fill the spot next to her at the "Live!" table. Earlier today, it was announced that her current co-host Michael Strahan will exit the morning talk show for another one: "Good Morning America."
The former NFL star replaced Regis Philbin in 2012 and co-hosted the show alongside Ripa for four years, but will move to "GMA" as a full-time co-host alongside Robin Roberts, Lara Spencer, George Stephanopoulos and the rest of the team in September. Strahan has already been co-hosting "GMA" two times a week. It is still unknown exactly when Strahan will leave "Live!," but it will likely be over the summer.
"Michael has been a stellar addition to the broadcast," ABC News President James Goldston said. "Over the past two years on 'GMA,' he's proven to be a tireless and versatile broadcaster with an incredible ability to connect with people, from veterans to American pop culture icons and newsmakers. He will end a four-year run as Kelly Ripa's co-host on 'Live!,' where he has honed his skills as an interviewer with genuine warmth and a quick wit. At 'GMA,' he'll now have even more opportunities to tell stories that inspire, inform and empower people."
Goldston also added that "Live!" will start looking for a new co-host "when the new season begins in the fall."
"I look forward to continuing to work with the incredible team at 'GMA.' It is an exciting opportunity to be able to bring unique stories and voices to the audience," Strahan said. "My time with 'Live with Kelly and Michael' has been transformative, and my departure will be bittersweet. Kelly has been an unbelievable partner, and I am so thankful to her and the entire team. I am extremely grateful for the amazing support I've received from all of the fans."
Strahan is joining "GMA" at a very critical time for the morning news show. Back in 2012, the show overtook "Today" in the ratings for the first time in 16 years, however, in recent months, the show has been losing out to its rival.
Before Strahan was a talk show host, he was a Hall of Fame defensive end for the New York Giants and was also an NFL analyst.
