LIVE! with Kelly Ripa and Michael Strahan!

By Alicia Henry

updated 11:22 AM EDT, Tue September 04, 2012

NEED TO KNOW

Michael Strahan is named the new co-host of 'LIVE! with Kelly'
Strahan joked in 2008 that he would replace Regis Philbin

Michael Strahan is now the new co-host of "LIVE! with Kelly"

In case there was any doubt, Michael Strahan is now officially named the new co-host of LIVE!.

Kelly Ripa made the long-anticipated announcement on Tuesday morning. The ex-New York Giants player had been rumored to be taking the seat left by Regis Philbin, but that didn't take away from the excitement.

After Ripa's rousing intro, "Now for the last time as a single lady, Kelly Ripa," she took the stage and made the big announcement, "Now it is time for a new era of our show to begin…we are honored to have him here. Michael Strahan!"

With balloons and streamers flying, Strahan bolted onto the set and swept Ripa off her feet with a huge hug. "I'm speechless," said Strahan. He then told Ripa, "I adore you."

Strahan later admitted, "You know how you say, 'this is a dream come true.' Well, I truly can't say that because I didn't even know I could dream this."

The two then settled down behind the table they will now be sharing every morning and played a clip from 2008 where Strahan joked about one day taking Regis' seat. Talk about a full circle moment.

What do you think about Strahan joining Ripa as the new co-host?

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