Kelly Ripa Co-Host: Could Former ‘Live’ Presenter Return?
Kelly Ripa’s former co-host Michael Strahan, who left Live in April to join Good Morning America, may want his position back amid rumors that he is struggling with his new job.
Strahan’s departure from Live, where he had worked as Ripa’s co-host since 2012 after taking over from Regis Philbin, caused a scandal. Ripa and Michael Gelman, the executive producer of Live, were reportedly only informed of Strahan’s exit a few minutes before ABC announced the decision. Ripa, who felt blindsided by ABC execs, took some time off the long-running show, first on a sick break and then on a “planned vacation.”
Since her return, Kelly Ripa has had to co-host the show with several guests. However, ABC’s failure to find a permanent replacement for Strahan in six months has led to rumors about who would finally get the job.
Several media personalities are said to be vying to be Kelly Ripa’s co-host. The list includes the likes of CNN’s Anderson Cooper and Fox New’s Megyn Kelly, both of whom have appeared on Live as guest co-hosts.
However, there are talks that Strahan regrets leaving Live and wants to return as Kelly Ripa’s co-host. According to Radar Online, the 45-year-old former NFL player is supposedly “miserable” at Good Morning America, where he is one of five hosts.
“He regrets leaving the show and wishes he could get back on TV with Kelly,” the news site reported. “It was the best job in show business. He was a co-host with his name in the title. Now he’s just one of five people hosting ‘Good Morning America,’ and his name is not even in the title. It was a terrible mistake. He regrets it.”
The rumor that Strahan is having problems at Good Morning America and wants to return as Kelly Ripa’s co-host first appeared in the National Enquirer early in December.
The reports of Strahan’s return as Kelly Ripa’s co-host may be farfetched given the drama that ensued after his departure. During a recent interview with People, Strahan said he and Kelly Ripa used to friends. However, they were not speaking before news of him leaving Live.
“At one point I think we were friends. I don’t know what happened at the end. I learned a lot from her though,” Strahan said.
“Toward the end of it all, we didn’t really communicate that much,” Strahan said of former co-host Kelly Ripa. “I kinda looked at it like, ‘it was what it was.’ I come from a business where you have to collaborate. The show was going well. We’re all winning. That’s all that matters to me.”
There are talks that Strahan may want to return as Kelly Ripa’s co-host because Good Morning America, which has been losing the rating battle to NBC’s Today, may be looking to replace him.
Despite reports that Strahan may not be a perfect fit for Good Morning America, Tom Cibrowski, senior vice president for ABC’s news programs, has thrown his weight behind Strahan, the Los Angeles Times reported.
“We are very committed to the team we have. And we think Michael Strahan is an amazing force of nature in anything he does,” Cibrowski said. “‘Good Morning America’ got to the first place as the upbeat alternative in the morning and Strahan’s presence is meant to secure that positioning.”
“We did not hire him to be a journalist,” he added. “Michael can ask all kinds of questions. He’s a curious engaging human being and a fantastic broadcaster.”
[Featured Image by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP Images]
