Tiny, formidably fit Ripa has always been the definition of peppy, not just on her own show but in game, self-deprecating guest spots on shows like Broad City and Watch What Happens Live, where she joined Andy Cohen to dish about their friendship with Anderson Cooper. Your kindness, support and love has overwhelmed me.
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“I look forward to continuing to work with the incredible team at “GMA.’ It is an exciting opportunity to be able to bring unique stories and voices to the audience”. Surprisingly, there was nearly no mention of Ripa’s no-show on Wednesday, except for Strahan briskly noting, “Kelly’s off today”, at the top of Wednesday’s show, as the former National Football League star introduced the substitute host to the audience.
Ripa was absent last Tuesday when Strahan announced his decision, and she hasn’t come to work since then.
There were also rumors that GMA will stretch to three hours, leaving Kelly’s show in a lurch. And she wasn’t very happy.
After hearing the news, she took an unplanned day off on Wednesday (20Apr16), with Ana Gasteyer drafted in as a last minute replacement for Kelly’s morning slot. The TV personality was holding a paperback copy of “David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants”. A source had recently told E! Meanwhile Strahan cheerfully discussed his new GMA job in front of “Live’s” studio audience.
Ripa was reportedly upset after being blindsided by Strahan’s departure news.
On Thursday, cameras spotted Ripa leaving her Manhattan townhouse with husband Mark Consuelos. It was reported that the veteran co-host, 45, was “livid” over Strahan’s announcement because she found out shortly before the public did. Ms. Ripa later let the network know she would not appear on Wednesday.
Ripa may have been shrewdly playing the cards for her own advantage.
“She got [Strahan] started, he stepped over her without an FYI, and now a nice morning show has become ABC’s newest drama”, quipped the source. “She’d also like someone to do the right thing and speak to her face to face rather than plot and plan behind her back”. Kelly, I thank you.
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Kelly Ripa is headed back to the set of “Live!”.
