The former Giants star and Hall of Famer will be heading to “Good Morning America” full-time in September. Strahan stated Friday that he will continue to be in the show’s “household”, which he will constantly be available to co-host “Live” if he’s ever asked. But his speech made less of an impact than Ripa’s brief toast, in which she declared “all of us, we couldn’t be prouder of you”.
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Strahan and Ripa had a private meeting to say goodbye after taping their last show, Page Six also reported. We have an incredible staff here, from the producers to the staff to the crew, they make sure we’re always prepared to come out here and put on a great show for you guys and I gotta say we love you, we appreciate you… and Kelly, you are the best.
There didn’t appear to be any residual tension from Strahan’s surprise announcement last month that he was leaving “Live” to join “Good Morning America”. But perhaps she shouldn’t be faulted for taking a major change to a show built on personalities personally. I know it is hard to leave a really great situation for something may or may not work out in the future.
Ripa addressed her absence when she returned to “Live” on April 26. This is a moment that I didn’t anticipate being here, at least at this point. “I think that’s what we need to do now”.
“You could fill in for me”, Ripa said. “We are family. Apologies have been made, and the best thing to come out of all of this is that our parent company has assured me that ‘Live!’ is a priority”.
“It’s bittersweet”, Strahan told the audience about his exit.
Strahan expressed his gratitude to the show and its fans.
Looking searchingly into the dearly departed’s eyes, Ripa continued: “We did everything together…”
The proceedings were punctuated by comic clips of Strahan and Ripa cutting up for the past four years, but the feeling emanating from the screen was surprisingly commonplace.
During the final moments of Friday’s show, Kelly Ripa presented her departing co-host with a series of gifts, including a bronze pair of size 16 stiletto heels he wore during a Halloween episode, a photo album of their favorite moments and a photoshopped image of Ripa posing with Strahan in the early 90s. “I start vacation in a couple of weeks”.
Business as usual is how “Kelly and Michael” thrived – along with “Regis and Kelly” and “Regis and Kathie Lee” before it. “You guys have let me into your homes, every day”.
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“I love you, baby”, he insisted, before encircling her in his brawny arms. We may never know; just as it’s a mystery as to what Ripa really meant when she stepped out in a jacket that read “freedom” on the back on Thursday. “I really think you’re so excellent, and there’s nothing you can not do”. Strahan told Ripa Friday morning.
