Michael Strahan Relieved That Kelly Ripa Will Return to ‘Live!’ On Tuesday
Michael Strahan co-hosted Live! Wednesday through Friday with guest hosts. Kelly Ripa refused to report to work on Wednesday and Thursday in the wake of an announcement that left her feeling blindsided. She learned just moments before the public announcement that Strahan would be leaving the show in September to begin a full-time position at Good Morning America. She took a previously-scheduled vacation on Friday and has another on Monday. She is expected to return on Tuesday. People reports that Michael is “relieved” that she is returning.
Last Tuesday, ABC announced that Strahan would be ending his four-year stint on Live! to begin a full-time position on Good Morning America in September. Michael had this to say about Kelly and his time on Live! according to another report from People.
“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.”
Strahan co-hosted with Ana Gasteyer of Saturday Night Live on Wednesday morning as Ripa chose to take the day off. She also did not show up on Thursday. Erin Andrews co-hosted with Michael that day.
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Live! producers had already planned for Michael to host without Kelly on Friday and Monday as she had previously planned a family vacation on those days. There were reports that Strahan and other members of the Live! staff had tried unsuccessfully to reach her during her absence last week. Late Friday night, Kelly sent an email to the staff of Live! indicating she will be back in the hosting seat next to Strahan on Tuesday.
“Sorry for this late Friday night email. I wanted to thank you all for giving me the time to process this new information. Your kindness, support, and love has overwhelmed me. We are a family and I look forward to seeing you all on Tuesday morning. Love, Kelly.”
CNN reports that Ripa’s return to Live! with Kelly and Michael follows discussions with ABC. It’s not known what agreement was reached with them or what reassurances they were able to provide.
Michael Strahan began his part-time position at Good Morning America about two years ago. He’s been appearing on the show about twice a week since then. During that time, Michael has maintained his position as full-time co-host of Live!, reporting there five days a week.
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People‘s source told them that Strahan is “looking forward to having Kelly Ripa back on Live! He never wanted any of this to happen. He got why she was mad but it was out of his control. He spent the last few days reaching out because he wanted her to come back… He was prepared to go on by himself if he had to, but he is relieved that it all worked out.”
Michael Strahan was born in Houston, Texas in 1971. He has been married and divorced twice. Michael is father to twin 11-year-old daughters, Isabella and Sophia. He spent all of his career as an NFL football player as a defensive end with the New York Giants. Strahan’s father, Gene, was a boxer, and his mother, Louise, was a basketball coach. During his time in the NFL, Michael went to the Pro Bowl seven times. While he played for the Giants, Strahan’s team won the 2008 Super Bowl. He was chosen as the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2001 and the NFC Defensive Player of the Year in 2001 and 2003. Strahan holds the New York Giants career sacks record of 141.5.
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