Kelly Ripa and Michael Strahan have been a dynamic duo for the last four years. They have reinvented the morning talkshow circuit with their chemistry. Who would have thought? Who would have thought that the show would go on without Regis? After all, it was his show. But with the move of Kelly to the main chair and a new co-host coming in, Michael Strahan, things were surprisingly going very well. At least, that’s what we all thought.
Last Tuesday, it was announced that Michael Strahan would be leaving Live! at the end of the summer to take a full time position at Good Morning America. What a shock that was! How could you leave your own talk show to join a panel of others? How could you leave the relationship and chemistry you had with your partner? These are the questions we all don’t understand. In the past few days, a lot has transpired. And in the coming weeks, even more will come out. Here is what we know now:
Kelly Ripa was blindsided.
It has been reported that Kelly had no idea about Michael’s exit. After the taping of Tuesday’s show, Kelly and Michael met with ABC executives where she was told the news. Allegedly, she did not take this news lightly. She was furious, especially at the executives. Michael was present for the meeting, as he thought that was the right thing to do.
Kelly took a break from the show.
After the news on Tuesday, Kelly took Wednesday off from the show. She is reportedly furious with everyone involved. She is off until early next week for a pre-planned family vacation to celebrate her 20th wedding anniversary. It is unknown when she will return. As for her chair, there will be a rotating number of guest co-hosts.
Michael thanked viewers, and Kelly, but not until the end of the show.
On Wednesday’s episode, Michael opened the show addressing the rumors and thanking all his fans and all of the staff at the show. However, he noticeably did not thank one person, and that was Kelly Ripa. At the end of the show, he did address her. But why did he wait? Is there bad blood brewing on both sides?
Kelly escaped without comment.
On Thursday, Kelly was seen escaping NYC for Turks and Caicos with her husband. Met with reporters, she kept quiet on the matter and instead continued to smile and keep to herself.
Michael appears on GMA.
On Thursday morning, Michael appeared on GMA where he said he was “excited about the transition.” He also took this time to acknowledge Kelly and thank her for all that she did to help him. He referred to her as “family, no matter what.”
The future for Live! is definitely in the air, but we know that a new co-host will be picked. Co-hosts have been changed twice before on the show, and the show went on. This time is no exception. All we can do now is wait to see what unfolds next. But we do know for sure, that we hope peace can be found between Kelly and Michael.
Who do you think should replace Michael Strahan on Live! With Kelly and Michael?
Sound off in the comments section.
