Michael Strahan is working alongside a revolving door.
Kelly Ripa has been absent from “Live! with Kelly and Michael” since it was announced earlier this week that Strahan will be moving to “Good Morning America” in September. Erin Andrews was tabbed as Ripa’s replacement for Thursday’s show and Friday’s show (scheduled to be taped Thursday).
Ripa is expected to be off television until at least Tuesday. “Pretty Little Liars” star Shay Mitchell already is scheduled to step in Monday with Ripa out on a previously scheduled vacation, a spokesperson for “Live!” told E! on Wednesday.
It sounds like there could be a rift brewing, though. Multiple reports have indicated that Ripa is upset with ABC because she was blindsided by the news of Strahan leaving “Live!” for “Good Morning America.”
It’s unclear who eventually will replace Strahan. The search for a new co-host is expected to kick off before the next season begins in the fall. For now, Strahan is steering the ship. And having Erin Andrews fill in alongside the Pro Football Hall of Famer certainly makes sense given her popularity and the fact both are part of FOX Sports’ NFL coverage, meaning there’s already a connection.
In any event, Ripa was all smiles Thursday when spotted leaving her townhouse in New York City. She appeared to be in a good mood, according to ETonline.com, although it remains to be seen how she’ll respond when she’s back on-air alongside Strahan — assuming she returns to “Live!”
Thumbnail photo via Jerry Lai/USA TODAY Sports Images
