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In this Jan. 24, 2012 photo, Kelly Ripa tapes an episode of "Live! with Kelly," in New York. The producers of Live! With Kelly say a new co-host will be revealed on the show Sept. 4. Ripa that morning will officially announce her new partner as he or she joins her on stage. By then, Ripa will have welcomed 59 guest co-hosts since Regis Philbin retired from the show last November, Disney-ABC Domestic Television said Monday, Aug. 20, 2012. The chosen one will come for that large pack, the company said. (AP Photo/Charles Sykes)

The wait is almost over for Kelly Ripa and her fans. The producers of her "Live!" talk show say that a new co-host will be revealed on the show Sept. 4.

But at least one website has jumped the gun, reporting that Michael Strahan has landed the job. Sources told TMZ that the former New York Giants standout will be named co-host when Ripa makes her big announcement on the show next month. Strahan's rep was reportedly spotted outside the network's building in New York City on Tuesday "grinning from ear to ear."

Known for his gentle humor and easygoing charm, Strahan currently works as a commentator on "NFL Sunday." He also briefly headlined a Fox comedy called "Brothers."

It has been more than nine months

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since Regis Philbin stepped down from the daytime chat fest last November, leaving a coveted show-biz job opening. Since then, Ripa has shared the stage with 59 guest co-hosts, including Strahan.

Philbin, who created the show, departed at age 80 after presiding more than 28 years alongside several co-hosts. Ripa became his partner in 2001.

Disney-ABC Domestic Television said Monday that Ripa will officially announce her new partner as he joins her onstage the morning of Sept. 4. The day before, Ripa will kick off the new season of "Live!" by herself.


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