Michael Strahan Is Leaving Live! With Kelly Ripa FOUR MONTHS Earlier Than He Originally Planned!

This cannot be a coincidence…
Kelly Ripa made her dramatic return to Live! with Kelly and Michael early Tuesday morning, and while things seemed relatively cordial between her and Michael Strahan, we don’t think that’s actually the case.
That’s because just four hours after the episode aired, it was reported that Michael is actually leaving for Good Morning America much sooner than he originally planned!
Related: Has Kelly & Michael’s Feud Been Going On For Years?!
As in, he’ll now be leaving on May 13… FOUR MONTHS earlier than his previously scheduled September end date!
A source confirmed the news to People, claiming the network feels bad about disrespecting Kelly and now wants more time to find Michael’s replacement, saying:

“May 13 is his last show. He’ll take the summer off and GMA can integrate him early before September, and this will give Live! more time to find the co-host. He’s totally fine that. Now he can enjoy his summer. This is not about feeling awkward with Kelly. He was willing to stay until the fall, but the network is saying this gives them more time to find the co-host. He’s a team player. He will do what they ask.”

Kelly did mention in her monologue today that ABC and Disney assured her that Live! is once again a priority for the network, which makes us think she probably had a hand in getting Michael’s departure moved up.
Still, we don’t blame her — why should they both have to phone it in for four more months?!
Do U think Kelly and Michael are really feuding behind-the-scenes??
[Image via ABC.]