Kelly Ripa Kept 'In Dark' as Michael Strahan Sprinted to 'GMA'

Kelly Ripa and Michael Strahan talk with Harry Connick, Jr., during the production of "Live! with Kelly and Michael" in New York

Photo: David Russell/Disney-ABC Domestic TV

Looks like Kelly Ripa didn’t get much notice that her “Live” co-host Michael Strahan was jumping ship to ABC’s “Good Morning America.”

“This came together very quickly,” a source close to the show told TheWrap, adding that the deal to move Strahan evolved in just the past five days or so. “I don’t think they told her everything,” the source added, saying it was not the first time Ripa had been kept “in the dark.”

Strahan has co-hosted ABC’s syndicated talk show “Live With Kelly and Michael!” since 2012; Ripa, who has been on the program since 2001, previously co-hosted with Regis Philbin.

Also Read: Inside Michael Strahan's Move to 'GMA' and the Hunt to Replace Him

But the jump to “GMA,” ABC’s flagship morning show, represents a major promotion for Strahan, a retired NFL star.

“He wanted to make the move,” the source said, adding that Strahan, who has been a frequent “GMA” guest in the past two years, wanted the opportunity to pursue a greater range of stories and topics than he could pursue on “Live.”

There may be tension on set as well. “Kelly has been very moody and emotional the past couple of years and Strahan was dreading going to work,” said one high-ranking daytime TV veteran who insisted on anonymity.

A publicist for Ripa did not return a call and email seeking comment.

Also Read: Michael Strahan to Leave 'Live' for Full-Time 'GMA' Spot

But Ripa might have reason to celebrate herself. “As soon as Michael eclipsed her in popularity, she was over him,” the veteran said, adding that Ripa’s wish list for a replacement includes Anderson Cooper, Bravo’s Andy Cohen and Neil Patrick Harris.

Robert Iger, chief of ABC parent Walt Disney Co., did not get personally involved in the deal beyond calling the major talent involved on Tuesday, when Strahan reportedly told Ripa and “Live” executive producer Michael Gelman, according to the show source.

But the elements are in place for an interesting Wednesday show on “Live.”

“Tomorrow’s show’s going to be very telling,” the source close to the show said.

The Evolution of Michael Strahan, From NFL Star to Morning TV Host (Photos)

Michael Strahan's path to "Good Morning America" is a long one and involves a lot of football. Let's take a look back at his two decade journey to his split with Kelly Ripa.
As a college football All-American at the historically black Texas Southern University, Michael Strahan was a dominant force on the defensive line. He was named black college football defensive player of the year for the 1992 season.

Also Read: 21 Possible Michael Strahan Replacements for ‘Live!’ With Kelly Ripa (Photos)
Texas Southern University
Strahan was selected in the second round of the 1993 NFL draft by the New York Giants, the team he would play on for the entirety of his 15-year career.
In 2001, Strahan broke the NFL record for sacks in a single season with 22.5. The final sack was made against Brett Favre, whom some pundits believed gave himself up to get Strahan the record. Strahan received the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award that season.
Fox
In Strahan's final season in 2007, the Giants won the Super Bowl against the previously undefeated New England Patriots. Many thought he would retire before the season, as he missed training camp and the preseason, but he stuck around for one last go.
NFL
Strahan announced his retirement in June 2008. He finished his career with 141.5 sacks, 854 tackles, 24 force fumbles, 4 interceptions and 3 touchdowns.
ESPN
Immediately after his retirement, Strahan signed on for a home improvement show called "Backyard Stadiums" on the DIY Network, in which he and co-host Amy Winn Pastor would help build lavish sports facilities in families' yards. The show ran for five episodes.
DIY Network
Strahan made appearances in a number of ad campaigns, including a web series for Snickers, and commercials for Vaseline and Subway.
In 2009, Strahan headlined the Fox sitcom "Brothers," playing, aptly, a retired NFL player. The series also starred Daryl Mitchell, CCH Pounder and Carl Weathers but lasted only one season.
Fox
Strahan's first appearance on "Live!" came as a fill-in for co-host Regis Philbin in October 2010.
When Philbin retired in 2011, Strahan was tapped to replace him, and "Live! With Regis and Kelly" was renamed to "Live! With Kelly and Michael." Strahan co-hosted the show until 2016.

Also Read: Kelly Ripa Kept ‘In the Dark’ as Michael Strahan Sprinted to ‘GMA’
Getty Images
In 2014, Strahan was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame.
Getty Images
Strahan did some more acting in recent years, with guest appearances on the TV shows "Entourage" and "Black-ish" and a supporting role as a stripper in 2015's "Magic Mike XXL." He also voices a character in the 2016 animated film "Ice Age: Collision Course."
"Magic Mike XXL"
On April 19, 2016, Strahan announced he was leaving "Live! With Michael and Kelly" for a full-time spot on "Good Morning America.

Also Read: Michael Strahan to Leave ‘Live’ for Full-Time ‘GMA’ Spot
ABC

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The Hall of Famer has had an illustrious two decades on the small screen

Michael Strahan's path to "Good Morning America" is a long one and involves a lot of football. Let's take a look back at his two decade journey to his split with Kelly Ripa.

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