Michael Strahan To Join ‘Live! With Kelly’

Michael Strahan To Join ‘Live! With Kelly’ – Michael Strahan will join Kelly Ripa as permanent co-host next month. The syndicated daytime talk show will debut its new season on September 4.

The 40-year-old Strahan was a Pro Bowl defensive end for the New York Giants for 15 seasons before segueing smoothly into TV, co-hosting “Fox NFL Sunday” since his retirement.

Strahan is one of a wide array of rotating co-hosts who’ve joined Ripa on the “Live!” set in the nine months since Regis departed. Anderson Cooper, “Bachelor” host Chris Harrison, former boy-bander Nick Lachey, and singer Josh Groban were all viewed as top contenders for the job, but Strahan’s infectious smile and easy-going demeanor helped him cinch the gig.