Is Andy Cohen Leaving ‘Watch What Happens Live’? Rep Comments On Rumors

Andy Cohen has made a name for himself in late-night television. Night after night, he appears in the Bravo TV Clubhouse with celebrity guests to play drinking games and get the inside scoop during his show, “Watch What Happens Live.”

Rumors have been swirling that Cohen, 48, may be ditching the clubhouse for a permanent role alongside Kelly Ripa on “Live With Kelly” The “Real Housewives” executive producer has spoken about that speculation in the past, but it appears fans weren’t buying it. Further panic spread among fans of both Cohen and his off-the-cuff talk show after Bravo announced it had begun developing a new project, titled “Look Who’s Talking Live.” It has been reported the series will be “a companion” to “WWHL,” rather than a replacement. A Cohen representative told Entertainment Tonight Sunday any claims he was giving up his hosting gig on “WWHL” were “totally untrue.” In fact, it seems the show has a lot more time on the air with Cohen.

“‘Watch What Happens Live’ with Andy Cohen as host is continuing on the network and [was] recently renewed through 2017,” his rep assured audiences.

False stories began circulating in April, shortly after it was announced that Michael Strahan, who had been with “Live” since 2012, was leaving the syndicated morning talk show. His unexpected departure left dedicated viewers guessing as to whom might be called in to replace him. Many speculated that Cohen, who is a close friend of Ripa’s and has previously been a guest co-host on the show in the past, would be the best fit in the job. Cohen spoke out after catching wind of these reports, telling Us Weekly he had too much on his plate to take on another obligation.

“I’ve kind of said everything I had to say about it,” he said. “I have 10 jobs.”

Cohen wasn’t the only one rumored to be headed to “Live” after Strahan’s exit May 13. For brief periods, Anderson Cooper, Neil Patrick Harris, Jane Lynch, Mario Lopez and others all were being buzzed about. A majority of those mentioned have denied any involvement.

Catch Cohen on “WWHL” on Bravo weeknights at 11 p.m. EDT.