[Updated] Ryan Seacrest Will Reportedly Serve as Kelly Ripa’s New Permanent ‘Live!’ Co-Host

Although Kelly Ripa is set to announce her new co-host during today’s episode of Live! with Kelly, word has leaked that Ryan Seacrest will reportedly fill the role vacated by Michael Strahan in 2016.

According to CNN, the former American Idol host will be introduced as the new permanent host during this morning’s broadcast.

via CNN:

Seacrest is already one of the busiest people in the media business. The new hosting gig will not affect other on-air and off-air roles. He recently renewed his contract to host red carpet specials for NBCUniversal’s E! network, for example.

Seacrest will continue to lead his nationally syndicated radio shows for iHeartMedia. According to a source, the ABC building that houses “Live” will also have a new radio studio for Seacrest.

Ryan stays with a check!

Update: Kelly officially announced Ryan as her new co-host during this morning’s telecast. The show has now been renamed Live! with Kelly and Ryan.

via Deadline:

“Ryan is a quintessential broadcaster and at the top of his game,” said Ripa. “I am thrilled to start my mornings with him every day, and we are so fortunate at ‘Live’ to have him join the family. Ryan is a close friend and his star shines as brightly off camera as it does on. His tremendous success is only matched by his impeccable reputation. Plainly said, everyone loves him, and so will our daily viewers.”