Kelly Ripa has said she will be returning to co-host Live! With Kelly And Michael! alongside Michael Strahan. “They’re both expected to be there Tuesday,” a source says. (People)
“Sorry for this late Friday night email,” Kelly wrote to her staff. “I wanted to thank you all for giving me the time to process this new information. Your kindness, support and love [have] overwhelmed me. We are a family and I look forward to seeing you all on Tuesday morning. Love, Kelly.” (TVNewser)
Ripa didn’t show up to Live on Wednesday, after hearing the news that Strahan would be leaving the show for a full-time post at Good Morning America. Ripa, the show’s staff and executive producer Michael Gelman didn’t learn about his departure until Tuesday’s show. (THR)
Comedian Ana Gasteyer filled in for Ripa Wednesday, with sportscaster and Dancing With The Stars co-host Erin Andrews joining Strahan for Thursday and Friday’s episodes. Pretty Little Liars stay Shay Mitchell remains scheduled to guest co-host on Monday. (Variety)
Ripa was consulted by upper management at Disney/ABC, which engineered the shift with the aim of boosting GMA. The network morning program has fallen behind NBC’s Today in the ratings race for the 25-to-54 age group coveted by advertisers. Ripa has been co-host of Live since 2001. Strahan joined the program in 2012, replacing its original male co-host, Regis Philbin. Strahan, a former NFL star, has been a hit with Live viewers and became a twice-a-week contributor to GMA in 2014. He is joining the program full time in September. (LA Times / Company Town)