"Live with Ryan and Kelly"...Could it Be???

I finally figured out why it's important for me to go to the gym.  It's simple - that's where I can get caught up on my entertainment news and even be given a big hint about who might be landing the coveted spot alongside Kelly Ripa in 2012.

You see, as I was reading the New York Post this morning while listening to classic songs on my iPad, I hit the sports section and decided to plug into the TV on my recumbent bike for my daily dose of "Good Morning America."  At first, I watched as "New Years Rockin Eve" host Ryan Seacrest chatted with weatherman Sam Champion who was perched high above the city adjacent to the Times Square mirror ball.  After Ryan filled us in on who would be performing (Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber among many others), they took the interview back into the studio where news host, Josh Elliott grilled him about "New Year's Rockin Eve" and his future career plans.  Okay, maybe that's a bit harsh but Josh does have a hard hitting news edge so when he asked whether Ryan had any morning TV talk show hosting gigs in his future, I sat up straight on my recumbent bike and took notice.

Sure, there haven't been any announcements yet about who will take over for the amazing Regis Philbin, but Josh Elliott's tip makes perfect sense.  His name starts with the letter R - just like Regis. He took over outdoor hosting duties on "New Year's Rockin' Eve" for living legend Dick Clark.  He hosts shows on primetime TV and produces his own shows in front of and behind the scenes but he has yet to take over hosting duties for a morning show - unless of course you count his radio show.  Incidentally, when Elliott asked Ryan about hosting a morning show, he cagily replied that he already hosts a morning radio show in Los Angeles and is quite happy doing that.  Something tells me that's not the only morning show in his future.  

So if he does get the job, will he commute from L.A. so that he can still host American Idol?  Or will he ease into the job and not be the full fledged host until Fall 2012.  My money is on the latter.  That'll give the folks at R--- and Kelly the chance to to promote the heck out of the show - stations, viewers and celebrities will be thrilled and Ryan Seacrest...he'll continue his ascent to the top of the TV hosting food chain.

Other predictions for hosting duties at "Live with Kelly" include her husband Mark Consuelos - but I tend to think Mark will take on the Joy Philbin role and fill in whenever Ryan can't make it.  The third contender is Andy Cohen - top programming executive and TV personality at Bravo who is one of Ripa's best friends.  While Mark and Andy make great candidates, "Live with Ryan & Kelly" definitely sounds better than "Live with Andy & Kelly" or "Live with Kelly & her hot husband Mark."

What do you think?  Would you like Ryan Seacrest to be the next host of "Live with Kelly" or do you think Mark or Andy would be a better fit?