Kelly Ripa’s Potential New ‘Live’ Cohost: A Roundup of Top Candidates!

They have some big shoes to fill! Ever since Michael Strahan announced he will be departing Live with Kelly and Michael on May 13 for a full-time position at Good Morning America, everyone has been wondering: Who will join Kelly Ripa as her new cohost next month? Us Weekly Video rounded up the top four potential replacements who are rumored to be in the running for the morning talk show gig.

Extra host Mario Lopez may be one of the front-runners for the empty seat. The 42-year-old actor recently hinted to Ellen DeGeneres that he might be appearing on the show again soon. “I’m looking forward to going back and guest-hosting again,” the Saved by the Bell alum revealed.

Kelly Ripa attends the 2015 Lifetime Excellence In Sports Communication Award at the New York Athletic Club on Oct. 15, 2015.

Steve Mack/Getty Images

One of Ripa’s closest friends in real life, Anderson Cooper, is one of her top choices to replace Strahan. The CNN anchor, 48, kvelled that it would be a “dream” to work with Ripa, 45, during an interview on Watch What Happens Live on Thursday, April 28.

Watch the video to see who Us Weekly thinks the four most likely candidates are!