After months of speculation, Kelly Ripa finally announced her new LIVE! host -- former NFL star Michael Strahan.

"Before I bring him out, I just want to take a minute, sincerely from the bottom of my heart, to thank all of you. You stood by us. You're the best audience. I'm not kidding. I love you guys. I really appreciate all of your input during our co-host search. It's time for a new era of our show to begin," Ripa told her audience.

Strahan was showered with confetti as he took the stage and said:

"I'm speechless. I am so happy to be here. You know how they say it's a dream come true? I truly can't say this, because I didn't know I could dream this."

Strahan's new job was leaked last month by Broadcasting & Cable. LIVE! producers tried out many other co-hosts after Regis Philbin left the show -- Nick Lachey, Josh Groban, Ripa's hubby Mark Consuelos, Jerry O'Connell, Anderson Cooper, and Seth Meyers all filled the seat next to Kelly since November 2011.

Strahan, who is currently dating Eddie Murphy's ex Nicole Murphy, first tried out for the early morning spot back in June.

Kelly Ripa, who showed off her stunning legs in the middle of the New York winter, took her Valentine, husband Mark Consuelos, to one of fashion's hottest events at the Minetta Tavern last night.

Along with David and Victoria Beckham, the Live host joined Iman, Zac Posen, Tory Burch and Kiefer Sutherland at the New York Fashion Week event.

Kelly's co-host Regis Philbin recently announced his retirement just before he and Kelly celebrated their 10-year-anniversary. After all that time together, you would have thought Regis would get her something sweet for Valentine's Day, but all Kelly got was...

Paps snapped Regis' better half at the Russian Tea Room in NYC Friday night, where she showed off her toned bod - how does she stay so fit?

Her husband Mark Consuelos wasn't lookin' too bad, neither!