It looks like Kelly Ripa will get her wish that Michael Strahan leaves the sooner rather than the later.
According to E! News, Strahan will make his departure from LIVE next month instead of in September as previously reported. The sped up departure date is a direct result of Ripa feeling reportedly “livid” upon notification and what has now become a crumbling relationship between the stars. The network issued the following statement regarding Strahan’s moved up departure date.
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. 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 co-host,” a show spokesperson tells E! News. “This plan also allows GMA to start integrating Michael into the show more often this summer before his full-time start in September.
Ripa returned to LIVE on Tuesday after taking a brief hiatus from production when the news of Strahan’s departure broke. Once Strahan leaves, fill-in hosts will join Ripa until a permanent replacement is selected.