Congratulations are in order for Kelly Ripa and Michael Strahan—the duo are Daytime Emmy Award winners!
“LIVE! With Kelly and Michael” won a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host, beating out: “The Talk” co-hosts Wendy Williams of “The Wendy Williams Show,” the co-hosts of “The Real,” and “The View” co-hosts.
The pair didn’t make an appearance at the May 1st broadcast—as it was Ripa and husband, Mark Consuelos’s 20th wedding anniversary—resulting Dr. Mehmet Oz accepting their win on their behalf.
“I don’t think they’re here....will accept on their behalf,” he said. “Kelly and Michael will share it!”
Dr. Mehmet Oz, was a winner as well, collecting an award for Outstanding Informative Talk Show Host for his show, “The Dr. Oz Show”
Ripa and Strahan addressed their win and absence the following day.
“They used to have the Emmys in New York City every year,” said Ripa. “So we used to be able to attend—now they have them in L.A.”
She added: “I didn’t even realize that we had won an Emmy until I started getting text messages from all of my friends and people saying ‘Congratulations’.” Strahan, in agreement, stated that he “was recovering from a birthday weekend for my buddy Gary.” The pair thanked the crew and those who work behind the scenes.
This is a bright spot for Ripa and Strahan, who have been embroiled in controversy since Strahan announced he will be leaving the morning talkshow for “Good Morning America.”
The April 19 announcement by Strahan left Ripa feeling “blindsided,” resulting in her taking a few days to gather her thoughts. Ripa returned to the ABC show on April 26, where she spoke about workplace respect, communication, and consideration. In the times Ripa was away, the former soap opera actress celebrated her 20th anniversary with a vacation. In her absence, actresses Shay Mitchell and Ana Gasteyer served as co-hosts.
Strahan’s last day is scheduled for May 13, after which ABC executives will play musical chairs with several guest hosts. As for who will permanently replace the former NFL player, there is no word as of yet.
There has been speculation that Andy Cohen, Neil Patrick Harris, Josh Groban and Anderson Cooper are potential candidates. However, according to Cooper, he hasn’t heard anything regarding co-hosting duties.
“It would be a dream to work with Kelly, but nobody’s offering anything so …” Cooper said when asked about the soon-to-be vacant position on the April 28 broadcast of “Watch What Happens Live.”
