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An official announcement revealing the lucky man or woman chosen to co-chair LIVE! with Kelly will be announced September 4, but sources tell Broadcasting & Cable NFL star Michael Strahan has got the coveted gig locked in.

Related: Kelly Ripa to Debut New Co-Host September 4

The charismatic athlete, who has played guest host to Ripa on numerous occasions since longtime host Regis Philbin's departure last November, is expected to join the show September 4 according to "multiple sources with knowledge of the situation," says B&C.

59 different celebrities have co-hosted the show with Kelly in the days since Philbin left, including Anderson Cooper, Nick Lachey, Josh Groban and Saturday Night Live's Seth Meyers, who for a short period was the rumored frontrunner as Philbin's replacement, which he soon shot down in an interview with The Orlando Sun-Sentinal.

Pics: Who Should Replace Regis Philbin

"I know [Regis's replacement] 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. I'm very excited to be going back [to SNL] for the election season, which is always fun," he said.

The new season of LIVE! with Kelly kicks off September 3, with Kelly acting as a solo host for the first show, and the following day marking the first day of the new co-host. The September 4 guests will be Claire Danes and American Idol winner Phillip Phillips.