Regis Philbin on Kelly Ripa and Michael Strahan Drama: They Should Have Told Her Sooner

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As fallout from the news that Michael Strahan is leaving Live! With Kelly and Michael continues, Kelly Ripa's former co-host, Regis Philbin, is speaking out about the controversy.

"I haven't talked to anybody," Philbin said when asked if he's been in contact with Ripa. "[Producer Michael] Gelman, you know ... I don't want to know. I know what it is.They should have told her in the beginning."

WATCH: 'Live!' Audience 'Disappointed' Over Kelly Ripa's Unplanned Absence

A source told ET on Wednesday that Ripa "is pissed" because she was unaware of Strahan's deal to leave the show for a full-time gig on Good Morning America until after shooting Tuesday's Live! episode -- the same day that the news became public.

Following the announcement, Ripa has taken some time off and will not be returning to Live! until next week at the earliest.

As for Strahan's move to GMA, Philbin had nothing but encouraging words for the Super Bowl champ.

WATCH: Michael Strahan Calls Dramatic 'Live!' Taping a 'Hard Day' for Everyone

"He is great!" Philbin gushed. "He was great with the Giants. He is great on our [Today] show. He is doing a lot of stuff. He really is. He is a real pro and they are going to use him down there."

Philbin didn't name any potential replacements for Strahan on Live!, but he seemed to take himself out of the running.

"She has got a bunch of people that she likes," he said. "Whoever it is, God bless them. Regis has had enough. Twenty-eight years there, 25 more in Hollywood before I came here. I'm done."

WATCH: EXCLUSIVE -- Kelly Ripa Skips 'Live!' Appearance After Feeling 'Blindsided' by Michael Strahan's Exit Announcement

The situation surrounding Strahan's exit isn't unlike what took place when Philbin said goodbye to the show in 2011.

Similarly to being "blindsided" by Strahan's exit announcement, Ripa was told about Regis' departure 20 minutes before they began taping. Ripa's method of handling the news was also comparable, as she took time off from her hosting duties then as well.