Kelly Ripa 'Live! Rumors: Veteran Host Planning to Leave Show?
Following the controversial week-long leave that Kelly Ripa took recently, new reports now suggest that the long-time host is planning to leave the morning show.
Ripa has just returned to the set of "Live! With Kelly and Michael" after she was a no-show for a week. Her leave followed after co-host Michael Strahan announced that he will be moving to "Good Morning America."
Multiple reports said at that time that Ripa felt blindsided by the news as she was only informed about Strahan's decision minutes before the public announcement was made. Ripa has since addressed the issue and has returned to the hit morning show.
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However, a source told U.S. Weekly that Ripa is planning to exit the show if neither Anderson Cooper nor Andy Cohen becomes Strahan's replacement. "Unless one of them can come, she [Ripa] doesn't really want to do it," the insider said.
Ripa has not commented on the said rumor but it seems ABC is having a hard time searching for the right replacement as Strahan's last day on set, which is May 13, draws near.
According to Page Six, sources close to the show state that despite Ripa and Strahan's on-screen chemistry, they actually don't have a very good relationship off camera as Strahan doesn't like the idea of being the 45-year-old "Live!" veteran's side-kick, and Ripa never liked Strahan's alleged lack of devotion for his job.
The tensions only grew more apparent as it was declared that instead of September, Strahan will now be moving to GMA in less than two weeks. According to TV Line, the tension between the co-hosts became even more obvious on Thursday's episode.
Peter Gros of Mutual of Omaha appeared as a guest on the said episode and brought an armadillo. As they looked at the little mammal, Ripa said "something just flew off of [the armadillo] and into my mouth." Gros then asked if she needed a napkin and Ripa responded, "I want to take him into contract negotiations with me!" While Ripa was laughing after the ordeal, Strahan didn't appear amused and said of the armadillo, "He's got a nice smell to him."
There is still no official news as to who exactly will replace Strahan but The Hollywood Reporter says Ryan Seacrest is being eyed for the seat.
