“Live! With Kelly And Michael” Will Be Sans-Michael In September

I wonder if he gets to take that busted shark costume with him? Probably. If you’re the type who usually starts your day by chugging a pot of coffee while watching Live! with Kelly and Michael, this is going to make you feel things. Earlier today, bowel regularity pitchman Michael Strahan sent out a memo to everyone announcing that after four years as co-host of Live! with Kelly and Michael, he was packing up his things and leaving at the end of this season. I’m sure the Travel Trivia Wheel is planning a goodbye barbecue courtesy of Omaha Steaks as we speak.

Sadly, Michael isn’t leaving to pursue his true calling as a male stripper. Michael is leaving Kelly Ripa for fellow ABC morning show Good Morning America. Here’s Michael’s goodbye statement:

“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. 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.”

TMZ says that Michael is getting somewhere in the neighborhood of 8 figures for his new GMA job. Today GMA stands for Get MonAaaaaay! The sources tell TMZ that ABC was throwing money at Michael, because they think that pairing him with George Stephanopoulos and Robin Roberts will help them to keep beating the Today show in the ratings.

Michael has been appearing on GMA twice a week since 2014, so it’s not exactly a surprise that he decided to go work there full-time. Although sources tell TMZ that Kelly and Live producer Michael Gelman were “blindsided” by the news. Apparently they had no idea he was thinking about quitting when he sat them down yesterday and gave them the news. Said sources claim the decision makers at Disney (aka ABCs overlord) have already decided who will replace Michael on Live.

Since the 90s are so hot right now, it’s pretty obvious who Live should replace Michael with. Don’t be surprised if you see Original Recipe Kelly Kathie Lee Gifford dragging the Today show’s wine fridge down the street with a million-dollar contract in her mouth. However, Entertainment Tonight is saying that it could be Anderson Cooper or Neil Patrick Harris. Whoever it is should probably get along with Kelly. Sources tell ET that one of the reasons why Michael left after only four years was because shit was tense and awkward between him and Kelly.

Here’s Michael and Kelly (and Kelly’s DILF Hall of Famer of a husband Mark Consuelos) doing the Tribeca Film Festival thing last week. If they can’t get Kathie Lee, maybe they can convince Mark to put his ass in Michael’s old chair. No, you’re right – between Mark and Kelly’s bellybutton, that’s too much sexy for daytime TV.

Pics: Splash, Wenn.com