Michael Strahan’s last day on “LIVE! With Kelly and Michael” is less than one month away—May 13.
Strahan confirmed the news via a statement released to ‘Us’ magazine on April 26.
“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,” the statement read. “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 cohost. This plan also allows GMA to start integrating Michael into the show more often this summer before his full-time start in September.”
After nearly a week away from the show—since hearing news of Strahan’s exit for “Good Morning America”—Ripa made her return to “LIVE!” on April 26. During the live broadcast, Ripa addressed her absence stating that she “really needed a couple of days to gather my thoughts” and assured “our long national nightmare is over.”
Ripa said apologies were exchanged, with sources confirming that ABC apologized to Strahan for the difficult week he endured.
“They admitted that they handled it wrong and put him in a terrible position,” the source told People. “The network decided and the show decided that they wanted more time to find the cohost. He’s fine either way.” The source added, “This is not about feeling awkward with Kelly. He was willing to stay until the fall, but the network is saying this gives them more time to find the co-host. He’s a team player. He will do what they ask.”
Strahan had planned to leave “Live” before September, but the exact date was a mystery.
Strahan and Ripa are said to not have spoken before or after the airing of today’s show, with Strahan in the dark on how Ripa would address her return.
“He had no idea how she was going to address it. They didn’t talk about it beforehand but he respected that it was her thing to do, however she wanted to do it,” said the source.
As for the impending separation, a source told People it was “amicable.”
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