Michael Strahan won’t have to wait until September to film his last episode of “Live with Kelly and Michael.”
Instead, the former NFL star will exit the show on Friday, May 13.
“After meeting with the producers of both Live and Good Morning America, and after speaking with Kelly and Michael, we have decided on a plan that best advantages both shows for the future,” a show spokesperson said in a statement. “To that end, Michael’s last day on Live will be on Friday, May 13, which not only gives the show the chance to have a nice send-off for him during the May book, but to also immediately begin the on-air search for a new co-host. This plan also allows GMA to start integrating Michael into the show more often this summer before his full-time start in September.”
Meanwhile, Ripa returned to the show this morning following last week’s dust-up in which she played hooky after being informed Strahan was heading to “Good Morning America” less than half an hour before it hit the press.
Following an extended standing ovation, during which she stood beside the desk, Ripa joked to the audience, “Our long national nightmare is over.”
She remained standing to thank fans for their support and throw a bit of shade at ABC’s parent company Disney for the way in which she was told of Strahan’s departure.
“What transpired over the course of a few days has been extraordinary, in the sense that it started a much greater conversation, about communication, and consideration and, most importantly, respect in the workplace,” Ripa said, adding, “Apologies have been made, and the best thing to come out of all of this is that our parent company has assured me that Live is a priority.”
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