The rumor mills are going wild! Anderson Cooper has admitted that it would be a “dream” to work with Kelly Ripa during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen.
As Us Weekly exclusively reported, Cooper, and WWHL host Cohen, are Ripa's top choices for replacing Michael Strahen, with the 45-year-old female show host even considering leaving if neither of her longtime pals are free for the gig.
Having felt totally "blindsided" by the announcement of Strahan's departure (he was originally supposed to make the move in September, but the show announced last week that his last day on air will be May 13), a source told Us that Ripa may leave too if neither of her favorites will take the position.
But while Cohen told Us that he's just too busy to consider it, Cooper, while remaining coy, was infinitely more positive in his response on WWHL on Thursday, April 28. And while he says there are no offers on the table, the CNN host certainly appeared open to discussion.
"Listen, I love Kelly and I think that show is … Kelly is the heart and soul of that show and it's going to go on and continue to be great, and I wish Michael the best in his new endeavor," he responded to a caller who asked whether he was lining up for the job.
But will he be taking the job?
"Look, I'm very happy at CNN," Cooper replied to Cohen. "It would be a dream to work with Kelly, but nobody's offering anything, so.…"
Well. That's definitely not a no!
Another star refusing to rule himself out of the running is Mario Lopez, who was similarly evasive but positive about working with Ripa when Ellen DeGeneres quizzed him on the topic for a segment that will air later today.
"I got to go over everything with Mrs. Lopez. She’s the real boss of the house, so we’ll see what she has to say about that," the 42-year-old presenter concluded.
Tell Us: who would you be most excited to see join Kelly on Live?
