Just In: Michael Strahan to Depart LIVE; Joins GMA as Full-Time Co-Anchor

ABC News today announced that special correspondent Michael Strahan is expanding his role on "Good Morning America" and will depart LIVE WITH KELLY AND MICHAEL. Starting in September, he'll appear on the most watched morning newscast in America full time as co-anchor.

Since 2014, Strahan has joined the "GMA" team twice a week while co-hosting "LIVE with Kelly and Michael." As he takes on his new duties at "GMA," he'll end a four-year run at the leading daytime talk show.

In 2012 Strahan was chosen to co-host "LIVE" after a 10-month search for a replacement for Regis Philbin. "LIVE" will kick off the search for a new co-host when the new season begins in the fall.

"Over the past two years on 'GMA,' Michael's proven to be a tireless and versatile broadcaster with an incredible ability to connect with people, from veterans and all kinds of newsmakers to a host of modern American cultural icons," said James Goldston, president, ABC News. "He is a great modern thinker and leader, and with our brilliant team in front of and behind the cameras, he will help us drive forward into a very exciting future."

Strahan has brought "GMA" viewers a wide range of interviews and stories, from a remarkable reunion of two Green Berets who survived a firefight in Afghanistan to a visit with Jennifer Lopez to her childhood neighborhood.

"I look forward to continuing to work with the incredible team at 'GMA.' It is an exciting opportunity to be able to bring unique stories and voices to the audience," said Strahan.

He added, "My time with 'LIVE with Kelly and Michael' has been transformative, and my departure will be bittersweet. Kelly has been an unbelievable partner, and I am so thankful to her and the entire team. I am extremely grateful for the amazing support I've received from all of the fans."

This season "LIVE with Kelly and Michael" is the number one entertainment daytime talk show in Households (2.9 rating) and the key daytime demographic of Women 25-54 (1.4 rating-tie). Overall the show is 2nd among syndicated talkers, behind only perennial number one 'Dr. Phil' this season. In 2015, Ripa and Strahan won an Emmy for Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Hosts. The show was recently renewed through 2020.

Season to date "GMA" is the number one morning newscast, taking the top spot at this point of the season for the 4th consecutive year. "GMA" has won the last 15 quarters in overall viewers, and for the recently concluded 1st quarter "GMA" grew compared to the previous quarter in all key target demos.

Upon his retirement in 2008 from the NFL, where he played for 15 years for the New York Giants, Strahan began his career in television as an analyst for FOX Sports. He will remain a co-host of "NFL on FOX."

Image courtesy of LIVE