Michael Strahan Leading Contender for Regis' Spot

Rumors are flying that Michael Strahan, the former pro football player, actor and FOX announcer is the leading contender to take over the co-host spot on Live! with Kelly, filling Regis Philbin's shoes. Strahan, 40,  is also a producer.  He's originally from Houston, is engaged to Nicole Murphy (Eddie Murphy's ex) has been divorced twice and has four children.  And, he's 6'5", quite a bit taller than Kelly Ripa.

Strahan hosted for the ninth time today.

Ripa told Vanity Fair recently that her husband, Mark Consuelos, is out of the running.  In the June 2012 issue, she said, "No one would make me happier than Mark, but he values our marriage and he says that he doesn't see how we could stay married and both do that show."  The two have been married for 16 years and have three children.  Ironically, they met as actors on All My Children and worked together on that set for a number of years.

Other candidates still in the competition are reportedly Josh Groban and Seth Myers.  According to Hollywood Life, Pat Kiernan and Anderson Cooper are out because Kiernan's latest subbing spot didn't go well and Cooper's daytime show is still on the air.  Another favorite, Neil Patrick Harris, has his hands full with his prime time show, How I Met Your Mother.