When Will Kelly Ripa Return To ‘Live!’? Production Sources Say She’s ‘Refusing’ To Appear After Michael Strahan Quit

Kelly Ripa is struggling to come to terms with “Live!” co-host Michael Strahan’s sudden exit from the show. The host of the syndicated TV talk show did not appear Wednesday, leaving many wondering when she plans to return to her duties.

According to a report from People magazine, Ripa, 45, has not said when she will resume her spot. She is said to be “refusing” to participate after the shocking news that Strahan — who has been with the show since 2012 — was leaving for “Good Morning America.” The publication reports that she does not plan to appear on “Live!” in the near future, though she has neither confirmed nor denied those claims. Ripa is said to have been “completely blindsided” by her co-star’s announcement and is “refusing to come back.”

“Kelly told ABC she wasn’t coming in last night,” a source said. “They don’t know yet when she’ll be back.”

As previously reported, Ripa did not appear on Wednesday’s broadcast of “Live!” Her absence came just one day after Strahan’s announcement that he would be leaving the show for “GMA.” He addressed his exit during Wednesday’s show, thanking those who have routinely tuned in to see him and Ripa work together morning after morning.

“For everybody who has come through here in the live audience over the course of the last four years: Thank you, guys. I can’t ask for better fans at all,” Strahan said before revealing that he would occasionally return to the show, which he will be officially quitting in the fall.

It has yet to be announced who is in consideration for Strahan’s post on “Live!” There are, however, several theories. Neil Patrick Harris, Terry Crews, Anderson Cooper and several other leading men and women have the potential to make great “Live!” co-hosts.