Source: Kelly Ripa Threatens to Not Return to 'Live!' Until Michael Strahan's Departure
Kelly Ripa is still “pretty pissed off” about Michael Strahan’s Tuesday announcement that he was departing Live! With Kelly and Michael to go full-time at Good Morning America, according to a source on the set of the daytime talk show.
Ripa skipped Wednesday’s taping of the show after Strahan revealed that he’d be leaving, and the source told ET that the 45-year-old co-host has “threatened to not come back until Michael leaves,” adding that the production staff is still unsure of her status for the rest of the week.
Variety’s Debra Birnbaum reported on Wednesday that ABC said Ripa will not return until “next Tuesday at the earliest.”
ET’s source went on to say that Ripa was blindsided by the news of her Strahan's departure, and feels “betrayed,” as she is also not happy on Live!.
“She put her neck out for Michael to be a part of the show four years ago,” the source added. “She is actually miserable with the show, has been for a while now...They have not [been] getting along that well recently, but this [takes] the cake.”
WATCH: Michael Strahan vs. Kelly Ripa and 8 Other Celebs Who Didn't Get Along on Set
Strahan co-hosted Wednesday’s show with Saturday Night Live alum Ana Gasteyer, and addressed the elephant in the room during the taping, another source explained to ET.
"Michael said during the break that it was 'a hard day' for everyone," the source recalled. "Michael was positive, professional and graceful throughout the shooting."
See more about the co-hosts' dispute in the video below.
EXCLUSIVE: Michael Strahan Calls Dramatic 'Live!' Taping a 'Hard Day' for Everyone