Kelly Ripa MIA on ‘Live’ in Wake of Michael Strahan's Surprise Exit News
It seems reports that Kelly Ripa was blindsided by co-host Michael Strahan’s departure news were not greatly exaggerated.
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On Wednesday’s Live With Kelly and Michael, the show’s first telecast since Tuesday’s announcement that Strahan was transitioning to a full-time gig on Good Morning America, Ripa was a surprise no-show. As a result, Strahan was forced to awkwardly address his looming exit opposite guest co-host Ana Gasteyer.
“I’m leaving this show and I’m going over to GMA full time, which is going to happen in September,” he said. “I do want to say to all of our viewers out there and to everybody who has watched this show over the last four years… thank you, guys. I can’t ask for better fans… and you guys have been absolutely amazing. On top of that I’ve worked with an incredible staff here and I’m always available to guest co-host if I get a call because i consider myself a part of this family forever.”
UPDATE: At the very end of Wednesday’s Live, Strahan addressed the elephant in the room: “I really want to thank of course Kelly Ripa because Kelly welcomed me here and I’ve learned so much from her. She’s been an amazing influence on me and it has truly changed my life to be here with her. I know that the show will continue to be strong and great because of Kelly and Michael Gelman and the staff here. Everybody is so talented and this show has not been around for over 30 years by mistake… Kelly, I thank you and I love you and everyone else here at Live.”
According to reports, Ripa learned of Strahan’s departure shortly after Tuesday’s show wrapped at 10 am. The news broke an hour later.
Strahan, who is also set to host ABC’s upcoming primetime $100,000 Pyramid reboot, will appear on GMA tomorrow to discuss his new role with the morning show.
TVLine has reached out to ABC for a comment on Ripa’s absence. In the meantime, watch Strahan’s (Ripa-less) announcement below.
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