Michael Strahan 'GMA' Debut: Kelly Ripa Speaks 'We Are Family' [VIDEO]
Kelly Ripa has spoken after almost a week long of high tensions and silence following the news of Michael Ripa’s departure from ABC’s Live! With Kelly & Michael for his new spot at the network’s Good Morning America.
Ripa, who is slated to return Tuesday after having other fill-ins this week, wrote and sent a letter to the staff Friday, according to People magazine.
“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.”
Still, there is no word on how she really feels about Strahan’s departure. Rumors spread that Ripa was completely “blindsided” and had no idea about Strahan’s switch. While she reached out to the staff, it’s not clear what her thoughts on Strahan, who is starting at Good Morning America this September.
“They don’t know what she wants,” an insider told the magazine. “He has been reaching out to her. He wants her to come back.”
Well at one point Ripa was “refusing to come back” after the announcement earlier this week. She was already slated to have a “long-planned” vacation with her family. But word is she left quickly after Strahan’s announcement. That didn’t stop Strahan from showing Ripa love Wednesday on the show.
“I really want to thank, of course, Kelly Ripa. Kelly welcomed me here, and I’ve learned so much from her. Kelly, I thank you. I love you and everyone else here at ‘Live!’”