Here's Why Michael Strahan Didn't Tell Kelly Ripa His Bombshell News Sooner
As I'm sure you've heard by now, because there's no escaping this media-manufactured drama, Live with Kelly and Michael has now been reduced to Live with TBD. Since Michael shared that he's leaving the show to join Good Morning America full-time, rumors have been swirling that Kelly couldn't even with the news. Reports of her diva-like antics (I'm not buying) have been covered well, everywhere.
A source told Us Weekly that Kelly learned of her co-host's departure not long before the rest of America heard his announcement. At the time, according to Us, she allegedly "stormed out" of the room.
However, according to the New York Times, Kelly was not mad at Michael for blindsiding her. She was angry with Live's executive producer, Michael Gelman, and WABC general manager, Dave Davis for not telling her sooner.
Kelly hasn't been back on the show since her reported "meltdown," but that's not because she's making a point. She had a previously-schedule vacation planned with her hunky husband, a rep told Redbookmag.com.
According to US Weekly, Michael still hasn't heard from Kelly, who he openly praised.
"Kelly welcomed me here, and I've learned so much from her, and she's just been an amazing influence on me," Strahan told Live viewers on Wednesday. "And this has truly changed my life to be here with her. And I know that the show will continue to be strong and great, because with Kelly and Michael Gelman and the staff - everybody here is so talented, and this show has not been around for over 30 years by mistake. Kelly, I thank you. I love you. And everyone else here at Live."
With all the lurve floating around, a lot of folks want to know why Michael didn't tell Kelly earlier. "It wasn't his place to tell Kelly," an insider told Us. "The head of the network is supposed to tell the staff these things." Makes sense.
I'm assuming this is just a lot of hype and before we know it, Michael and Kelly will be back to doing couple's Halloween costumes.
Plus, as sad as I am to see Strahan leave my DVR, this leaves a beautiful opening for a new co-host. NPH, I'm looking at you.