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Andy Cohen Calls Kelly Ripa ABC's New Bachelorette As Search for Live!'s New Co-Host Begins

Exclusive: Ripa's BFF and the host of Watch What Happens Live! sounds off on the search for Michael Strahan's replacement

By Tierney Bricker May 16, 2016 7:01 PMTags
Watch: Andy Cohen Reveals His Choice for New "Live!" Cohost

Get excited: Andy Cohen is joining Live!

But wait, before you get too excited, the Watch What Happens Live! host made it clear that he's just joining good friend Kelly Ripa on Live! With Kelly for a few shows following Michael Strahan's departure.

"I'm guest-hosting two days with Kelly next week, two days, I can't wait!" Andy told E! News on red carpet at the NBCUniversal Upfront in New York City, but said he "can't" imagine hosting full-time. "I can't do it," he stressed as we basically pleaded with him to do it. Boo!

Still, Andy does have a top choice to take on the gig: "I think Anderson [Cooper] would be great!" But before Kelly makes a final decision about her new co-host, Andy is looking forward to seeing all of the potential candidates woo her.

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Kelly Ripa Kicks Off First Show Sans Michael Strahan—and Jimmy Kimmel Asks the Awkward Questions We Want Answered
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"I think what's fun about the auction process is that she's like the Bachelorette now," Andy said, "And all these bachelors are going to be trying to get a rose from her and it's a really fun process!" 

After Michael's final episode on Friday, Jimmy Kimmel had the honor of being the first guest co-host during Monday's show, which debuted the new logo and name, Live With Kelly. Other celebs set to fill-in include Empire star Jussie SmollettCedric the EntertainerDaniel Dae KimFred Savage and SealWhen it comes to Andy's top pick, and Kelly's reported first choice, Anderson, he's not yet on the schedule to co-host.

As for what it takes to land the full-time job of sitting next to Kelly each morning, Andy said, "They just have to have sparks, they have to have chemistry, that's it."

To hear more from Andy on Live!'s search for a new co-host, watch our interview with him above.

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