It’s hard to believe it has already been a year since Michael Strahan caused such a scene when it was announced that he would be leaving Live with Kelly to join Good Morning America. The announcement caused Kelly Ripa to take a few days off, and Strahan is leave his contract early. Ever since then Ripa has been searching for a new regular co-host, and today it was finally announced who that would be.
Former American Idol host Ryan Seacrest will be a regular on morning television, starting today. Ripa made the announcement this morning on Live, starting by stating “Today, the next chapter of the ‘Live’ story is about to be written.” After thanking all the temporary co-hosts, and saying that “They are a part of the ‘Live’ family forever” Ripa cut to commercial before bringing Seacrest out on stage.
Seacrest stated that he was “So happy,” as he embraced Ripa, followed by “so exciting.” The 42-year-old had co-hosted the show five times since the search for Ripa’s new co-host began. He will also be an executive producer on the show, which is probably a further incentive for him to stay long-term.
Live can be seen at 9am on ABC, and airs live from New York. Seacrest is also the host of red carpet specials for NBCUniversal’s E! network, Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, and can be heard on nationally syndicated radio shows for iHeartMedia.
Photo: © Glenn Francis, www.PacificProDigital.com
