In 2008, former football Michael Strahan teased Regis Philbin about co-hosting the show "Live! With Regis and Kelly," Now on Monday, he occupies a permanent position of co-host with Kelly Ripa on the show "Live! With Kelly."
The former New York Giant will be joining Ripa as her new co-host, replacing Regis Philbin who left the show in November 2011. The 41-year-old said that "I was joking," referring to his comments on filling Philbin's place on the show, "and I'm glad the joke came true," as reported by the Associated Press.
The six foot five inch football star walked on to stage as he picked up his co-anchor Ripa in a large embrace. "It's so nice to have a co-host literally sweep you off your feet," Ripa said, "and I know that he can bench press me if he wanted to," as reported by AP.
Strahan also expressed his respect for former host Philbin-who has been on the show for 28 years, telling viewers that the 81-year-old legendary host will be a tough act to follow. "I am in awe of him," he told viewers according to the AP.
After months of trial and testing of a number of co-host, Strahan was finally selected as the most suitable companion to Ripa. "It's an exciting day around here, Ripa told audience, "It has been nine months and I'm about to give birth to my new co-host," as reported by the NY Daily.
Straham is currently hosting "Fox NFL Sunday."
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