newsmakers

newsmakers

Michael Strahan looks to go ‘Live!’

NEW YORK

It’s hard to imagine anyone more different from Regis Philbin than Michael Strahan, the hulking, gap-toothed, 40-year-old former defensive end for the New York Giants.

But after months of speculation and a rotating cast of temporary “Live!” guest hosts, Strahan has emerged as the clear favorite to fill the void left by the 80-year-old Philbin when he retired last November from the morning show. Strahan would become the co-host with Kelly Ripa.

On Monday, ABC-Disney Domestic Television, producers of the syndicated talk show, announced that a permanent replacement finally had been selected and would be unveiled live on the air Sept. 4. According to multiple reports, Strahan landed the gig, though neither the network nor his representation would confirm it as of Wednesday afternoon.

Strahan already is familiar to millions of television viewers from his work on Fox’s popular pregame show, “Fox NFL Sunday,” where he’s expected to continue as an analyst. He’s also endeared himself to “Live!” viewers through multiple guest-hosting stints over the years. The producers of “Live!” clearly are hoping that the affable Strahan’s appeal will cross over from a largely male audience to a largely female one.

Hiring Strahan is a smart move, says Bill Carroll, a television analyst at Katz Television Group. “I think the biggest mistake they could have made was trying to replace Regis,” he says.

Lennon’s killer denied parole

ALBANY, N.Y.

John Lennon’s killer was denied release from prison in his seventh appearance before a parole board, New York corrections officials said.

Mark David Chapman, 57, was denied parole by a three-member board after a hearing Wednesday, the state Department of Corrections said Thursday. The transcript of his latest hearing wasn’t immediately released.

Chapman shot Lennon in December 1980 outside the Manhattan apartment building where the former Beatle lived. He was sentenced in 1981 to 20 years to life in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder. The musician, singer and songwriter was 40.

“Despite your positive efforts while incarcerated, your release at this time would greatly undermine respect for the law and tend to trivialize the tragic loss of life which you caused as a result of this heinous, unprovoked, violent, cold and calculated crime,” board member Sally Thompson wrote. Board members Joseph Crangle and Marc Coppola agreed.

Michelle Obama on ‘Dr. Oz Show’

NEW YORK

Michelle Obama is making a house call on “The Dr. Oz Show.”

The show’s producers say the first lady will tape an appearance Wednesday to discuss new provisions of her “Let’s Move!” campaign and the Presidential Youth Fitness Program.

Producers said Thursday that Mrs. Obama’s appearance will be taped at the show’s New York studio for national broadcast Sept. 14.

The show’s host, Mehmet Oz, says he’s “honored” that she has chosen to be a guest on his show.

“The Dr. Oz Show,” which airs weekdays in syndication, will be starting its fourth season next month.

Prince challenged Lochte in swim race

LAS VEGAS

The London games may be over, but Britain’s Prince Harry isn’t letting Team USA get away with the swimming gold that easily.

The royal challenged Ryan Lochte during the American swimming champion’s 28th birthday party Monday at a Las Vegas pool, and it was caught on video.

Las Vegas Sun columnist Robin Leach reports the prince stripped down to his jeans and gestured for others to clear the way for the contest at the XS nightclub pool at the Wynn resort.

As predicted, the 11-time Olympic medalist won.

The race wasn’t the prince’s only paparazzi-worthy moment during a wild weekend partying in Las Vegas. Photos leaked online show the redhead naked and cozied up to an unidentified woman during a game of strip billiards in a hotel suite.

Vindicator wire services