Last April, “Live” co-host Michael Strahan announced he was leaving the show to join “Good Morning America.” There was some controversy, as Kelly Ripa was allegedly blindsided by his decision to move on.
But now, almost a year since Strahan’s final show, Ripa has a new sidekick ― and he’s a fan favorite.
On Monday, Ripa officially named Ryan Seacrest as her co-host, to much applause from her live studio audience.
“So happy, so excited,” Seacrest said, while hugging Ripa.
Seacrest’s latest gig comes a year after he wrapped up his 15-year run with “American Idol.” According to CNN, he will still host red carpet specials on NBCUniversal’s E! Network and lead his nationally syndicated radio shows for iHeartMedia. Seacrest has already worked with ABC as the host of “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.”
Aside from his partnership with E!, Seacrest has a past with time-slot competitor NBC, as he also worked the Olympics this past summer.
Ripa and the “Live” team initially teased the big announcement on Sunday, with Ripa posting a video to Instagram, writing, “We’re going to need a bigger mug. #TuneInToLive #BigAnnouncement #LiveKellyCohost.”
The show’s Instagram page also used to the opportunity to get fans hyped up:
Other candidates for the job included Jerry O’Connell, Fred Savage, Anderson Cooper and John Leguizamo.
Here’s hoping Kelly and Ryan have a great run together!
“Live” airs weekdays at 9 a.m. ET on ABC.
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