Kelly Ripa Co-Host: Will Fred Savage Be Her New ‘Live’ Partner?

Kelly Ripa’s co-host position is still up for grabs on her Live with Kelly morning show. Former child star Fred Savage appears to be the front-runner for the spot; since former co-host Michael Strahan’s departure for Good Morning America, the Wonder Years actor has guest hosted with Kelly more times than any other guest co-host.

According to The Wrap, Kelly Ripa’s co-host guests have comprised 20 different entertainers following Strahan’s last broadcast on May 13. Savage tops that roll with a total of five appearances in the co-host chair. Will Fred land the co-host spot permanently? The actor is likely shortlisted for the job along with other popular Live with Kelly guest hosts like Parks and Recreation actor Rob Lowe and NASCAR’s Jeff Gordon.

Savage is currently keeping mum on his joining Live as Kelly Ripa’s permanent co-host. Rumors went rampant last week when it was reported that Fred met with Live producer Art Moore over dinner. In a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight, the “Mole” from Austin Powers in Goldmember stated that he appreciates the opportunity to join Ripa when he’s available, but he made no mention of continually coming on as Kelly Ripa’s co-host.

“I enjoy it so much. I love interacting with the audience. I love sitting beside Kelly — to work with someone who’s just at the top of her field is a thrill, so it’s all enjoyable.

After acting as Kelly Ripa’s co-host for over three years, Strahan’s sudden switch to Good Morning America reportedly caused tension between Kelly and the former New York Giant, and the apparent animosity was widely covered in the media. Ripa went solo on Live beginning May 16, filling Strahan’s chair with an admirable collection of guest anchors.

People magazine reported that Ripa felt “betrayed and hurt” by the way Strahan’s exit was handled. Kelly even stressed the importance of communication and commitment to the Live audience back in April, shortly before Michael left the show.

Although his resignation as Kelly Ripa’s co-host may have disappointed the former All My Children star, she still empathized with his decision to leave.

“I think that requires a certain amount of empathy on a level. When you’re dealing with big business, it’s easy to forget that you’re dealing with people and that people have feelings. It’s easy to just look at it like a business unit, a unit, a unit.”

For his part, Strahan apparently relished the chance to relinquish his post as Kelly Ripa’s co-host. Upon joining the crew at GMA, Michael told Chelsea Handler (as reported by E! News) that while he enjoyed his time with Kelly, he needed a break from the daily grind of Ripa’s morning show.

“I really haven’t missed it. […] But I loved it. Don’t get me wrong. I loved it. When you get a break, sometimes you kind of go, ‘Wow, I kind of needed it.’ I needed a break.”

Live viewers currently await a final decision for the choice of Kelly Ripa’s co-host. Other stars who have filled in on the show, like journalist Anderson Cooper and Watch What Happens Live‘s Andy Cohen, are also top fan picks for the spot as Ripa’s co-host.

Tune into Live with Kelly this week to see Kelly Ripa’s co-host guests like Key & Peele comedian Keegan-Michael Key on Tuesday and Wednesday, Scandal’s Tony Goldwyn on Thursday, and Taye Diggs by Ripa’s side for Friday’s show. Next week finds Ripa with co-host Zachary Quinto from Star Trek Beyond. Andy Cohen co-hosted the broadcast on Monday morning.

#SoapBoxDerby squad! #LiveKelly @Andy pic.twitter.com/rHTuSGQRam

— LIVEKellyRyan (@LiveKellyRyan) July 18, 2016

Who do you think should assume the mantle as Kelly Ripa’s co-host? Let us know in the comments!

[Photo by Mark Davis/Getty Images]