ABC’s morning talk show Live with Kelly and Michael is losing one of its stars.
The network announced Tuesday morning that Michael Strahan is leaving Live after four years with Kelly Ripa. Come September, he will be a full-time member of ABC’s Good Morning America.
“I look forward to continuing to work with the incredible team at GMA. It is an exciting opportunity to be able to bring unique stories and voices to the audience,” said Strahan in a statement. “My time with LIVE with Kelly and Michael has been transformative, and my departure will be bittersweet. Kelly has been an unbelievable partner, and I am so thankful to her and the entire team. I am extremely grateful for the amazing support I’ve received from all of the fans.”
ABC sent out a memo to the staff this morning to announce the news (see below, via THR).
Strahan was Regis Philbin’s permanent replacement. It looks like this summer and fall will see another search take place.
Team –
I want to share some exciting news about our GMA family.
The deeply talented Michael Strahan, who currently joins Robin, George, Lara, Amy and Ginger twice a week, will expand his role to appear full-time in the mornings on GMA starting in September.
Article Continues BelowMichael has been a stellar addition to the broadcast. Over the past two years on GMA, he’s proven to be a tireless and versatile broadcaster with an incredible ability to connect with people, from veterans to American pop culture icons and newsmakers.
He will end a four year run as Kelly Ripa’s co-host on LIVE!, where he has honed his skills as an interviewer with genuine warmth and a quick wit. At GMA he’ll now have even more opportunities to tell stories that inspire, inform and empower people.
Almost exactly four years ago GMA memorably broke Today’s epic 16-year win streak in the mornings. Since then, the team has battled just as fiercely to deliver great journalism when news breaks, from San Bernardino to Brussels; reported relentlessly from the campaign trail with over 100 interviews with the candidates; and embraced new technology – from VR to our GMA Wake Up Call – to supercharge how we connect with our viewers every minute of the day.
I’m delighted to welcome Michael to GMA each and every morning. I can’t wait to see what this incredibly talented team will bring our viewers next.
James
Ripa has been a co-host on Live! since February 2001. She replaced Kathie Lee Gifford, who eventually went to NBC’s Today Show.
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