Anderson Cooper Guest Co-Hosts 'Live! With Kelly' for First Time Since Michael Strahan's Exit
Amid rumors that he might be replacing Michael Strahan on Live!, Anderson Cooper sat in as Kelly Ripa's guest co-host on Wednesday morning.
The friends were quite comfortable with one another as they bantered back and forth at the start of the show. The CNN journalist shared that prior to co-hosting with Ripa, he first hosted her and her family at his Connecticut home over the weekend.
EXCLUSIVE: Rob Lowe in Talks to Join Kelly Ripa as Co-Host on Live!
"You're a gracious host," Ripa told Cooper.
The two further showcased their chemistry by attempting the samba, prior to interviewing "Rhythm is Gonna Get You" singer, Gloria Estefan. "We just made a baby," Ripa quipped after Cooper pulled her in close for the dance move.
It was a pretty active show. The pair later did a conga line with Estefan, and also attempted an acrobatic workout routine.
Prior to Strahan's departure from Live! last month, a source close to the ABC program told ET that Cooper was a frontrunner to take over for the former NFL pro. "It's likely Kelly will bring up Anderson's name as a replacement," the source said.
WATCH: Kelly Ripa Steps Out With Another Telling Book -- Does It Hint at Her Next Live! Co-Host?
While Cooper is interested in joining Live!, another source told ET, he may need CNN's permission to co-host.
EXCLUSIVE: Mark Consuelos Reacts to Wife Kelly Ripa Being Open to Moving Live! to Los Angeles
Cooper did address the rumors that he'll take the job while on Watch What Happens Live! last month. "Listen, I love Kelly and I think Kelly is the heart and soul of that show, and it's gonna go on and continue to be great," he told Andy Cohen. "I'm very happy at CNN. It would be a dream to work with Kelly, but nobody's offering anything."
Meanwhile, Strahan is back to work at Good Morning America, but will not take a full-time position at the morning show until September.
WATCH: Kelly Ripa Grilled by Guest Co-host Jimmy Kimmel Over Michael Strahan's Last Live! Episode