Michael Strahan‘s abrupt exit from Live With Kelly and Michael is causing quite the media frenzy.
So we’re not surprised the producers of the morning program are considering sending the former NFL pro off with less of a bang and more of a whisper!
After Kelly Ripa returned to Live on Tuesday, the network confirmed that Strahan would be departing the show on May 13 instead of September — which was initially announced as the month he would begin working full time on Good Morning America.
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But after the sneaky shake up caused a bit of turbulence between Kelly and the producers, the show probably won’t be making that big of a deal when Strahan ends his four year stint as co-host.
A source close to the production told ET:
“[Executive producer Michael] Gelman is debating as to how big of a deal to make it. If it seems too celebratory, it’ll seem disingenuous due to all the known drama.”
Sounds like a good idea — except ABC already said the reason Strahan was leaving early was to give the show “the chance to have a nice send-off for him during the May book.”
We guess they forgot their fake excuse for avoiding months of on-air awkwardness! Ha!
While the source added that Ripa and Strahan are “playing nicely together,” the insider said they both “felt it best to not drag it out all summer.”
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Strahan’s early exit was not discussed on Wednesday’s episode, and everything seemed “completely normal” during the taping — according to an audience member.
But after the episode broadcasted, Kelly conducted a solo interview with Veep actress Anna Chlumsky — telling the audience that this was only the case because Strahan will be gone when the interview airs and they have yet to pick his replacement.
We have a feeling the 45-year-old will be doing plenty more solo interviews in the near future! LOLz!
[Image via ABC.]
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