By James Paladino (staff@latinospost.com) | First Posted: Aug 21, 2012 10:45 AM EDT

As anticipation for the September 4th announcement of Kelly Ripa's new co-host for Live! mounts, speculation about who will usher in a new era for the show has hit an all-time high.

Out of the fifty-nine guest hosts that Ripa has worked with since Regis' departure on November 18th, 2011, only a handful are reportedly on the short list, while others have outright denied their interest.

Over the past year, stars such as Neil Patrick Harris, singer Josh Groban, Anderson Cooper, Nick Lachey, comedian Seth Meyers, Jerry O'Connell, Claire Danes, Phillip Phillips, Jimmy Kimmel, and even Ripa's own husband Mark Conseulos have sat next to Kelly on the popular morning show.

While Seth Meyers was rumored as the front-runner for the role, he denied the rumors.

Meyers said, "I know [Regis' successor] is a very important thing down there...But right now, what I would say to you; I'm really in love with the job I have."

Similarly, Mark Conseulos is out of the running according to Ripa. "No one would make me happier than Mark, but he values our marriage...He says that he doesn't see how we could stay married and both do that show," said the host of Live!

Former football player Michael Strahan, Josh Groban and Nick Lachey are supposedly on the short list to be Regis' successor.

Meanwhile, Kelly has expressed enthusiasm for Anderson Cooper. In an interview with US Weekly, she stated, "we have a connection like nobody else...I worship him!"

Cooper, who currently hosts his own talk show on CNN named AC360, may be one of Ripa's favorites, but in the end the studio makes the final decision. 

While no details are concrete or confirmed, the rumors will be officially put to rest at 9 AM on Tuesday, September 4th

Live! with Kelly Co-Host Announcement Ad

© 2015 Latinos Post. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.