Kelly Ripa was a no-show on “Live With Kelly and Michael” on April 20—one day after Michael Strahan announced he will no longer serve as c0-host.
Michael Strahan announced he was leaving the morning show for a full-time gig with “Good Morning America” in September. He currently alternates between the two shows.
According to CNN, Ripa was “caught off guard” by the news and is “beyond angry.”
Ripa’s absence on Wednesday left room for speculation that the former opera star was getting even with Strahan. But a spokeswoman for the show said Ripa was “given the day off,” despite no indication the day before that she wouldn’t be in attendance.
Actress Ana Gasteyer filled in for the missing host, where Strahan addressed his new venture.
“It is the same channel,” said 44-year-old Strahan. “I’m not going anywhere. I was reading some stuff and it sounded like I died.”
The former NFL star added: “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.”
Strahan, who joined Ripa in 2012 after several on-air tryouts, went on to thank Ripa for welcoming him.
“Kelly, I thank you, I love you.”
