Fans are asking questions now that news has broken that Live! with Kelly and Michael cohost Kelly Ripa was oddly absent from today’s show — the one in which Michael Strahan formally announced his departure plans to the audience. Strahan will instead by taking a job at Good Morning America full time. According to Variety, rumors are swirling that Ripa was unaware of Strahan’s decision until it was announced yesterday and was unhappy about how the situation was handled.
Variety has been unable to reach Ripa or her representation at this time to find out if today was a scheduled day off for the host or if this was a sign of protest. Saturday Night Live alum Ana Gasteyer filled in for Ripa on today’s episode which included Strahan thanking fans for their support and saying, “I’m always available to guest host if I get the call.” Although Strahan is set to start at GMA in September, a date for his final Live! episode has yet to be announced. Also unknown is who will replace him on the beloved talk show.