ABCLet the game of hosting musical chairs begin!
With Michael Strahan set to make his early exit from Live! With Kelly and Michael on May 13 following all the drama stemming from the announcement that he would be joining Good Morning America full-time, Kelly Ripa will spend the summer welcoming a slew of guest hosts as the ABC daytime talk show begins the search for her new co-host.
But some of Kelly's famous friends are already among the frontrunners to take on the plum gig, a handful of potential replacements have spoken out about whether or not they would consider filling the seat next to Kelly on a permanent basis...
Andy Cohen: While the Bravo honcho is a fan-favorite guest host and super-close with Kelly, Andy told Us Weekly he's too busy with his "10 jobs" to take on the gig full-time. Still, he's showing his support for his BFF, posting a photo of the duo on Instagram, with the caption "#MorningQueen."
On his radio show, Andy did offer up one name that he thought would be perfect for the job: Anderson Cooper! "I just think he would be so good," he gushed. "He would be so good co-hosting that show."
Anderson Cooper: Funnily enough, Kelly's other BFF (and a frequent Live! guest host) addressed the Live! rumors while on Andy's Bravo show, What Watch Happens Live, telling him, "Look, I'm very happy at CNN. It would be a dream to work with Kelly, but nobody's offering anything so...." So ABC, what are you waiting for?!
Neil Patrick Harris: The How I Met Your Mother star and awards show go-to host has filled in many times on Live!, but has remained mum on the subject. But his former HIMYM co-star Alyson Hannigan hasn't, telling The Insider with Yahoo, "I think that it is his dream job."
Mario Lopez: One of the candidates to replace Regis Philbin before Michael landed the job four years ago, Mario opened up about potentially taking over the role now on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. "Ellen, starting rumors," he said. "Well, I got to go over everything with Mrs. Lopez. She's the real boss of the house so we'll see what she has to say about that."
Regis Philbin: Could he actually return after exiting in 2011 (telling Kelly just 20 minutes before he made the announcement on-air)?! "I'd have to think about it," he cautiously told TMZ. (But would it be Live! With Kelly and Regis or Live! With Regis and Kelly?)
Mark Consuelos: It's been radio silence from Kelly's husband of 20 years and frequent guest host regarding all the Live! drama. But viewers definitely wouldn't mind seeing the married couple banter on daily basis.
Who do you think should be Kelly's new co-host? Sound off in the comments below!