'Live with Kelly and Michael' Host Today: Kelly Ripa Doesn't Show Up Wednesday, Left Blindsided? [VIDEO]
There may be chaos going on behind the scenes at Live With Kelly and Michael!
Michael Strahan is leaving the popular talk show after nabbing a job at ABC's Good Morning America. The move was very sudden for many longtime fans of the show, and it's sounding like Kelly Ripa wasn't exactly kept informed on what was happening.
"This came together very quickly," a source close to the show told TheWrap this week. "I don't think they told her everything," noting this wasn't the first time the perky host was kept "in the dark."
Another source, a "daytime TV veteran," suggested there may have also been some tension on set.
"Kelly has been very moody and emotional the past couple of years and Strahan was dreading going to work," they said.
The veteran added that Strahan eventually "eclipsed her in popularity," and at that point, "she was over him." They revealed that Ripa's list of possible replacements for Strahan includes Anderson Cooper, Andy Cohen and Neil Patrick Harris.
Making matters even more interesting, Ripa was a no-show at Wednesday morning's episode. Strahan addressed his exit alongside guest co-host Ana Gasteyer.
"I'm leaving this show and I'm going over to GMA full time, which is going to happen in September," he explained. "I do want to say to all of our viewers out there and to everybody who has watched this show over the last four years... thank you, guys. I can't ask for better fans... and you guys have been absolutely amazing. On top of that I've worked with an incredible staff here and I'm always available to guest co-host if I get a call because i consider myself a part of this family forever."
Ripa has not said a word about Strahan's departure on any of her social media accounts, so it's possible that she's still processing the news. It remains to be seen what the future holds for Live.
UPDATE: E! News reports that Ripa was "livid" after learning the news, adding, "it wasn't pretty."
