Will Fred Savage’s New Fox Deal Take Him Out of the Kelly Ripa Co-Host Sweepstakes?

“Grinder” alum has guested on syndicated talker five times since Michael Strahan bailed

Fred Savage
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Aside from Gelman and Kelly Ripa, Fred Savage has been the biggest constant on “Live” since Michael Strahan bounced for “GMA,” leading many — including TheWrap — to identify the “Wonder Years” star as a frontrunner for the co-host chair.

But Savage just signed an overall deal at 20th Century Fox TV, and the syndicated morning talker is an ABC production — does that mean he’s out of the running?

Not at all, a person with knowledge of the parties told TheWrap. That said, there currently aren’t any talks happening, this source assured us.

And oh by the way, even Las Vegas agreed with our assertion that Savage should be considered one of the top dogs in the race. Bovada gave the multi-hyphenate its second-best odds of scoring the gig, just behind Anderson Cooper and in line with Andy Cohen.

At the time, Savage had appeared on multiple episodes, and was scheduled for a few more. Friday marked his fifth appearance as guest co-host.

With three more shots of his own next week, fan-favorite Jerry O’Connell will tie Savage’s mark by next Friday.

A “Live With Kelly” rep and a spokesperson for Savage both had no comment when reached by TheWrap.

Savage’s 20th Century Fox TV deal will see him writing, producing and directing projects. Hell, he may even act in one or two.

His last show from that studio, “The Grinder,” was one-and-done on Fox.

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