Ripa, 45, was reported to have been incredibly upset and angry with Strahan and the network for how this was all handled, and didn’t show up for recording the next day, forcing “SNL” alum Ana Gasteyer to present alongside Strahan.
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The former National Football League star has worked part-time at Good Morning America for years, but has had to leave early to make it to Live!
Ripa returned to her hosting dutiesTuesday morning after a four-day hiatus which followed her learning last-minute about Strahan’s departure to “Good Morning America”.
The statement further said that the plan “allows “GMA” to start integrating Michael into the show more often this summer before his full-time start in September”. Actress Ana Gasteyer filled in for Ripa Wednesday. Campbell, who runs the ABC-owned stations group and who was given purview over daytime last February, flew to NY from Burbank on Sunday night to personally oversee Ripa’s return to the show. “Our parent company has assured me that LIVE is a priority”. Ripa told viewers. “The dress is 25 years old”. Some believe that Anderson Cooper may come on board – although we think he’s too serious for a morning talk show. She then said she needed the time off to gather her thoughts on what had transpired, noting that after 26 years with ABC “I earned that right”. On Friday, she sent a late-night email to Live! staff thanking them for “giving me the time to process this new information”.
“Since we’re being honest, I don’t consider this just a workplace – this is my second home”, she said.
Step 9: A kind shout-out to her co-host, combating those new rumors that they don’t get along. And fifth, she disclaimed any antipathy toward Strahan or his success: “I am thrilled for Michael”.
But the camera stayed on Ripa the whole time during her comments – a demonstration that ABC wanted to get this moment right.
Strahan also chimed in to praise Ripa. Ripa joined Philbin to host the morning show in 2001.
Heaven knows if Ripa is aware of the phrase’s origins, but her audience lapped it up Tuesday on the show. She found out just half an hour before the news leaked out.
“What happened was extraordinary”, she said.
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Who would you cast as Ripa’s co-host to replace Strahan?
