Kelly Ripa is on the hunt for a new Live! co-host.
Tuesday (April 19) it was announced that Michael Strahan will be leaving Live! With Kelly and Michael to join Good Morning America full-time.
Fan’s weren’t the only ones shocked by this news. Kelly Ripa found out about Strahan’s departure just after taping Tuesdays episode – she apparently didn’t take the news well. Ripa was even absent from Live! With Kelly and Michael on Wednesday (April 20) and actress Ana Gasteyer filled in for her.
During the show Strahan addressed his career move.
“I really want to thank, of course, Kelly Ripa,” Strahan told the audience. “Kelly welcomed me here, and I’ve learned so much from her, and she’s just been an amazing influence on me. And this has truly changed my life to be here with her. And I know that the show will continue to be strong and great, because with Kelly and Michael Gelman and the staff — everybody here is so talented, and this show has not been around for over 30 years by mistake.”
This news comes only four years since Michael Strahan joined Live! as the permanent replacement for Regis Philbin. Since Strahan joined the show in 2012, the show’s viewership has seen a steady growth.
“I look forward to continuing to work with the incredible team at GMA. It is an exciting opportunity to be able to bring unique stories and voices to the audience,” The former NFL star said in a statement. “My time with LIVE with Kelly and Michael has been transformative, and my departure will be bittersweet. Kelly has been an unbelievable partner, and I am so thankful to her and the entire team. I am extremely grateful for the amazing support I’ve received from all of the fans.”
Beginning this fall, LIVE! will audition a new co-host for Ripa. Who would you want as her co-host? Comment below.
