Michael Strahan to join Kelly Ripa on 'Live!': Reports

The identity of Kelly Ripa's new co-host on ABC's "Live!" has already leaked, and it is none other than Super Bowl champion Michael Strahan, according to published reports.

The 6-foot-5 former Giant guest hosted for the show in June, along with 58 other potential co-hosts, who had a turn in the seat next to Ripa after Regis Philbin, 80, stepped down from the show last November after 28 years.

But after the exhaustive search, apparently the network was most pleased with Strahan, particularly with the friendly rapport he developed with Ripa, reports said.

Strahan, 40, is an analyst for Fox Sports, but he reportedly will be able to do both gigs.

ABC said on Monday that it would hold off on making an official announcement until Sept. 4, the second day of the upcoming season for the morning show. TMZ first reported that Strahan got the job, followed by trade publication Broadcasting & Cable and The Associated Press.

Ripa, 41, has co-hosted the show since 2001, when she replaced Kathie Lee Gifford, who had been paired with Philbin since 1988.

ABC declined to comment on the reports.