NEW YORK (AP) — Talk-show host and former football star Michael Strahan is coyly talking about, but not confirming, reports that he’s expected to soon join the cast of ABC’s “Good Morning America” on a part-time basis.
Strahan was asked by co-host Kelly Ripa on “Live With Kelly and Michael” Wednesday if he was doing it, and Strahan replied: “I don’t know. If I read the papers I am.”
A person with knowledge of the negotiations who requested anonymity because the deal hasn’t been completed said Tuesday that Strahan will work semi-regularly during the show’s first hour. He will continue as host of the daytime talker “Live With Kelly and Michael.”
“Good Morning America” has lost two male cast members in the past four months: Sam Champion to The Weather Channel and Josh Elliott to NBC Sports, the latter in a deal expected to be formally announced Wednesday. Talks with Strahan reportedly predate Elliott’s departure, announced Sunday.
Strahan would join George Stephanopoulos, Robin Roberts, Amy Robach, Lara Spencer and weather forecaster Ginger Zee on the cast of television’s top-rated morning show.
The former New York Giant said he couldn’t do “GMA” every day because he’s already too busy. He works for Fox Sports during the football season. He assured “Live” viewers that the talk show is his top priority.
“I would never do anything to jeopardize the quality of what we do here and the enjoyment of what we do here,” he said.
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Associated Press writer Alicia Rancilio contributed to this report.
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