Anderson Cooper Says ''It Would Be a Dream'' to Join Kelly Ripa on Live!

But there's one problem...

By Bruna Nessif, Lauren Piester Apr 29, 2016 3:40 AMTags
Anderson Cooper, WWHLBravo

So, are we going to see Anderson Cooper's handsome face on Live!?

The CNN anchor has been one of the names thrown into the mix of possible co-hosts to take the seat next to Kelly Ripa once Michael Strahan leaves to take on Good Morning America full-time, and while appearing on Watch What Happens Live tonight with Andy Cohen, a fan called and put Cooper in the hot seat.

The caller asked, "How do you feel about all the drama over at Live with Kelly and Michael, and would you be open to co-hosting?"

Anderson responded, "Listen, I love Kelly and I think that show is… Kelly is the heart and soul of that show and it's going to go on and continue to be great and I wish Michael the best in his new endeavor."

But when it comes to taking the job, there's one problem—"Look, I'm very happy at CNN. It would be a dream to work with Kelly, but nobody's offering anything, so…" Ahem.

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All the Reasons Why Live!'s Turmoil Actually Benefits Kelly Ripa
Mark Davis/Getty Images

Tuesday marked Kelly's first day back from her hiatus, which she decided to take after hearing Strahan would be leaving at about the same time as everyone else. A source told E! News she was "livid" with the way the news broke, but after a few days away from the office Kelly cooled off and gave an emotional speech at the start of her talk show yesterday morning.

"I really needed a couple of days to gather my thoughts. After 26 years with this company, I earned the right—and let's be honest, I know half of you called in sick to be here, so we get each other. In that time, I gained some perspective. I always speak from the heart. I didn't want to come out here and just, like, say something I might regret," she said during the show's monologue.

"What transpired, though, over the course of a few days has been extraordinary in the sense that it started a much greater conversation about communication and consideration and, most importantly, respect in the workplace. Since we're being honest, I don't consider this just a workplace," she continued.

"This is my second home. This is a place that I've devoted myself to, not just because of you, our loyal viewers, but because of all of the producers and the crew who work on this show. We have an incredible team. We are incredibly devoted to one another. We are family."

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Kelly Ripa Makes Contract Negotiations Joke on Live! and Michael Strahan Does Not Seem Amused

Strahan originally said he would be staying on Live! until September, but Tuesday the network revealed his last day would be in a couple of weeks.

"After meeting with the producers of both Live and Good Morning America, and after speaking with Kelly and Michael, we have decided on a plan that best advantages both shows for the future. To that end, Michael's last day on Live will be on Friday, May 13, which not only gives the show the chance to have a nice send-off for him during the May book, but to also immediately begin the on-air search for a new co-host," a show spokesperson told E! News.

"This plan also allows GMA to start integrating Michael into the show more often this summer before his full-time start in September." 

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Kelly Ripa & Michael Strahan's Best Live Moments