Michael Strahan leaving 'Live' for full-time gig at 'GMA'

NEW YORK, April 19 (UPI) -- Pro football player-turned-television personality Michael Strahan is leaving Live! with Kelly and Michael to become a full-time co-host on Good Morning America.

Strahan has been doing double duty as a Live! co-host and a GMA contributor since 2014.

Variety said ABC told network employees Tuesday morning Strahan will transition to GMA full-time in September.

"Michael has been a stellar addition to the broadcast. Over the past two years on GMA, he's proven to be a tireless and versatile broadcaster with an incredible ability to connect with people, from veterans to American pop-culture icons and newsmakers," James Goldston, president of ABC News, said in a memo to staff. "He will end a four-year run as Kelly Ripa's co-host on Live!, where he has honed his skills as an interviewer with genuine warmth and a quick wit. At GMA, he'll now have even more opportunities to tell stories that inspire, inform and empower people."

"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," Deadline quoted Strahan as saying.

Live! was recently renewed through 2020, however a new co-host has not been announced yet.