Michael Strahan shocked fans when he announced his sudden exit from ABC’s “Live! With Kelly and Michael” to join “Good Morning America” full time. No one was more blindsided by the news than his co-host, Kelly Ripa. So what really went down? Here’s everything we know about Strahan’s exit and the aftermath that followed:
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
No signs of trouble in paradise: The show appeared to be smooth-sailing, as guests Jason Bateman and diet doctor, Dr. Melina Jampolis, made appearances.
Then there was that minor staff meeting: According to E! News, shortly after the show aired, the co-hosts met with ABC executives and executive producer Michael Gelman to reveal the big news.
The news broke to the world: Following the staff meeting, ABC News president James Goldston announced the news in a staff memo.
Strahan responded: “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. 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.”
Wednesday, April, 20, 2016
Ripa reacted: A livid Ripa was a no-show during Wednesday’s broadcast. Instead, Strahan was joined by guest co-host Ana Gasteyer, with appearances by Denver Broncos player Von Miller and his “Dancing With the Stars” partner Witney Carson.
Strahan addressed his departure … again: At the top of the show, Strahan acknowledges the bombshell that was dropped the day prior. “I was reading some of the stuff and it sounded like I died,” he said. “But I do want to say to all of our viewers out there … four years ago when I came here, I’m sure they were like, ‘They chose that guy with the big gap in his teeth?’ ”
Strahan offered his thanks to Ripa amid feud reports: “I really want to thank, of course, Kelly Ripa, because Kelly welcomed me here and I’ve learned so much from her, and she’s just been an amazing influence on me,” Strahan said at the end of the show. “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 of Kelly … Kelly, I thank you. I love you and everyone else here at LIVE!”
Ripa won’t be returning to “Live!”… just yet: – Ripa has reportedly taken the week off. She is not set to return until Tuesday, April 26.
In the meantime, a show rep tells E! News that Erin Andrews will fill in for Ripa on Thursday and Friday, with “Pretty Little Liar” actress Shay Mitchell siting in on Monday. While both Strahan and Ripa have been pretty mum amid the feud, one thing is sure, for someone who was just blindsided by her network and partner-in-crime, Ripa is handling the news very well.
Stay tuned as this story continues to develop..
