Anderson Cooper's new CNN deal takes him out of running for 'Live with Kelly'

Anderson Cooper has signed a new long-term deal with CNN, TheWrap has learned.

While this is good news for fans of the anchor's tenure on the cable news network, this would seem to take Cooper out of the running to be Kelly Ripa's new co-host on "Live with Kelly."

Cooper was considered a top contender to take over the spot vacated by Michael Strahan, who abruptly left the show earlier this year for a permanent spot on "Good Morning America." He had filled in as a guest co-host on several occasions, and will do so again on Oct. 12.

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As TheWrap previously reported, Cooper was Ripa's top choice for the job, but ABC has been adamant about doing a similar process that led to Strahan landing the spot in 2011.

Ripa has been auditioning a number of potential co-hosts since Strahan's exit. Among those who have tried their hand on the long-running daytime talk series are "Empire" star Jussie Smollett, "Lost" alum Daniel Dae Kim, internationally renowed singer Seal, and NBA star Dwayne Wade.

"Live with Kelly" is distributed in national syndication by Disney/ABC Home Entertainment and TV Distribution. The show is produced by WABC-TV in New York and executive produced by Ripa and Michael Gelman.

Read original story Anderson Cooper's New CNN Deal Takes Him Out of Running for 'Live with Kelly' At TheWrap