Advertisement

Kelly Ripa is still shocked by the handling of Michael Strahan’s ‘Live’ departure

Kelly Ripa is nearing 20 years on Live! — and she’s reflecting on some of the ups and downs.In a new interview, the Live! with Kelly and Ryan co-host, 50, was asked about the Michael Strahan era, from 2012 to 2016, which ended abruptly when it was announced that he’d be jumping ship for a gig on another ABC show, Good Morning America. Ripa was memorably “blindsided,” finding out at the same time the press did, despite her name being in front of his in the title of the show. She took off a few days to process the cutting news before returning to the show and addressing Strahan’s departure candidly with the audience, explaining the necessity of “communication, consideration and, most importantly, respect in the workplace.”