Kelly Ripa Continues Absence From ‘Live’ After Michael Strahan Departure Announcement

When Michael Strahan announced that he will take a full-time gig at Good Morning America starting this September, he ruffled some feathers with his current co-host of Live! with Kelly and Michael, Kelly Ripa.

She called in sick on Wednesday and will be on vacation in Turks and Caios with her family until Tuesday next week, during which she will celebrate her 20th anniversary. According to several reports, Ripa was blindsided by Strahan’s announcement, only being informed a few minutes before it went public.

There is heavy speculation that she is attempting to boycott the show, while others say that she just needs time to digest the news about her co-host. Ripa has not commented on the situation.

Even Oprah Winfrey offered her input. “Nobody should ever be blindsided,” she told Entertainment Tonight. “I don’t know who’s in charge, but somebody should’ve said, ‘This is gonna happen.’ You shouldn’t have to read it in the paper. Ever.”

Bill Simmons also tweeted about the unfolding of ‘Live.’

During Ripa’s absence, she will be replaced by Erin Andrews for the next two editions of Live. Friday’s show was taped on Thursday and Pretty Little Liars’ star, Shay Mitchell, will take Ripa’s place for Monday next week.

Though Ripa was visibly upset, ABC issued an upbeat statement about Strahan’s departure. “[Live] continues to be a vibrant and enduring franchise under our lead host, the extraordinarily talented Kelly Ripa. ‘Live’ has successfully transitioned co-hosts twice before and will do so again. Together with Kelly, ABC and the Live team will begin a new search.”

Strahan was also in high spirits. “My time with Live! With Kelly and Michael has been transformative, and my departure will be bittersweet,” he said. “Kelly has been an unbelievable partner, and I am so thankful to her and the entire team. I am extremely grateful for the amazing support I’ve received from all of the fans,” he continued.

Strahan has already been working part-time for GMA, appearing on-air twice a week as a co-host, but Ripa was reassured that it was only temporary. Not anymore, though.