Why Wasn’t Kelly Ripa On ‘Live!’ This Morning? Truths About Michael Strahan’s Leave Revealed
Kelly Ripa was a no-show on Wednesday’s installment of “Live! With Kelly and Michael.” Her absence came one day after it was revealed co-host Michael Strahan will be leaving the syndicated series in favor of a position on ABC’s “Good Morning America.”
“... 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 told the “Live” audience during Wednesday’s show.
Strahan revealed he is willing to return to the talk show occasionally following his official leave this fall, but Ripa was not present for his announcement. Strahan, 44, was joined onstage by guest co-host and actress Ana Gasteyer.
While Ripa, 45, has yet to speak out about her right-hand man’s departure, TMZ reports she’s not thrilled about the switch-up and feels she was “stabbed in the back” by his surprise move. Strahan was reportedly told by Bob Iger, CEO of ABC parent Disney, not to inform anyone of his plans to star on “GMA” full time and Ripa is said to have been clued in on his plans Tuesday morning.
“We’re told Kelly and Michael don’t get along,” TMZ added. “Our sources say she feels he’s disrespectful to her and is full of himself. Apparently Michael often rolls with an entourage and it doesn’t sit well with her.”
Strahan was the replacement for Ripa’s former co-host, Regis Philbin. He left the show in 2011 following his retirement.
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