Hiring a former athlete didn’t exactly work out the first time for Live! with Kelly Ripa.
But, hey, if at first you don’t succeed…
Following the unceremonious exit of Michael Strahan from the morning show last month, sources have now told TV Line that Jeff Gordon is one of the leading contenders to take over as Ripa’s main sidekick this fall.
Strahan, of course, was a former defensive standout for the New York Giants.
Gordon, meanwhile, is a former stock car racer who retired as one of the most successful driver of all-time last year.
Way back in the Live With Regis and Kelly era, he guest-hosted nine times. There’s clear chemistry between Gordon and Ripa.
Since hanging up his pedals several months ago, the 44-year-old Gordon has transitioned into broadcasting, serving these days as a NASCAR analyst on Fox.
The program is reportedly in no rush to hire a permanent replacement for Strahan, who left the show on My 13 for a full-time gig on Good Morning America.
He did so after a number of awkward episodes and interactions with Ripa, seeing as she made her feelings about the way his departure was handled well known to all who would listen.
The program now has a new logo and a new name for the summer.
Some insiders have also said that Ripa has a new salary on the way, along with a promise that Live! will remain in its current time slot on ABC.
Among other big names in contention for the eventual co-hosting job are Rob Lowe and THG favorite Anderson Cooper.
“Lots of rumors out there, but we don’t comment on co-host speculation,” a Live! rep told TV Line in response to its article.
Do you think Gordon would make a solid choice? Do you have another star in mind?
Or do you not care one bit about Kelly Ripa and her talk show?
