Ripa had a previously scheduled vacation on Friday and Monday and had planned to pre-tape Friday’s show.
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Strahan, 44, a former defensive end for the Giants, had been making appearances on ABC’s “GMA” twice a week for two years. Ana Gasteyer was present as a guest co-host in her place.
People added that on Tuesday night, Ripa reportedly told ABC that she was not reporting for work Tuesday and that producers do not know when she will return.
Strahan, on Wednesday’s show, offered up these words to his pal: “Kelly, I thank you, I love you and everyone else here at ‘Live.'” Strahan joined the show as full-time co-host in 2012.
‘Now he’s moving on to Good Morning America. “I’m always here. I’m always available to guest co-host if I get a call, because I consider myself to be a part of this family forever”.
Us Weekly reported that Ripa’s absence yesterday was due to a “sick day”, and that she “had today off from the show”.
Michael Strahan is trying his best to do damage control!
“He is hurt by her reaction, of course”, the source tells PEOPLE. It was a surprising announcement – but it seems no one was more surprised than Ripa: TMZ reports that Ripa was not informed ahead of time that Strahan would be leaving, and she’s mad about it. “No quote from her anywhere wishing him well”, the second source explains.
Murphy, who dated Strahan and was engaged to him for five years joined “Extra’s” Charissa Thompson at Universal Studios Hollywood. The show is expected to conduct on-air tryouts this fall to find a replacement, just as it did when Strahan took over for Philbin and Ripa replaced Kathie Lee Gifford in 2001. The competing “Today” show on NBC airs for four hours.
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Ripa will be replaced on Thursday’s show by Erin Andrews, said Barbara Warren, show spokeswoman, who did not say why Ripa will be out.
