Category: Kelly Ripa
Kelly Ripa Has More To Say About That Live! Mess With Michael Strahan
It’s been three weeks since Kelly Ripa hauled Michael Strahan and the powers that be at Disney into a metaphorical parking lot and got into a dramatic morning show fight over Michael’s exit from Live! With Kelly and Michael. In that time, a whole lot has happened. Kelly took a break, then Kelly came back and gave a “For Your Consideration“-worthy Emmy nomination speech about respect in the workplace. I thought Kelly’s speechwriter crammed in everything she had to say that day, but apparently she has more thoughts on the matter.
And Just Like That, “Live!” Has Become 100% More Entertaining
I stopped watching Live! right after Kathie Lee Gifford left, because I prefer my morning talk shows hosts crazier and drunker than a fly in a Red Solo cup full of Diet Coke and rum. But it may be worth watching again to witness Kelly Ripa get revenge on Michael Strahan and ABC by slowly chipping away at their nerves with a freshly sharpened shiv.
Michael was supposed to leave Live! for his new higher-paying gig at Good Morning America in September, but his “Bye, Bitch!” date was moved up to May 13 after Kelly got seriously pissed over everyone keeping her in the dark about his exit. When Kelly made her triumphant return to Live! on Tuesday, she said that she was happy for Michael and he said that he loves her, but she still threw him the same awkward and cold look I throw at a server at a restaurant whenever they tell me they haven’t gotten their liquor license yet. Things apparently went fine on Tuesday and Wednesday’s shows, but on Thursday’s episode, Kelly finally stopped giving a fuck and threw in a dig.
Kelly Ripa Might Quit Live! If She Doesn’t Get To Pick Her New Co-Host
Shortly after Michael Strahan announced that he was taking the Michael out of Live! with Kelly and Michael and taking it over to Good Morning America, there were whispers that ABC had already drafted up a short list of replacements for him. Two names that were being thrown around were Anderson Cooper and Neil Patrick Harris, because I guess ABC was really feeling the idea of replacing Michael with a blue-eyed gay dreamboat.
But it sounds like ABC might want to think about throwing some lady names on that list too, because there could be a chance they’ll be replacing Kelly Ripa as well. A source tells UsWeekly that Kelly really wants Michael to be replaced by either Anderson Cooper (whose book she was not-so-subtly seen carrying around yesterday) or Andy Cohen. The source claims that if ABC doesn’t hire one Kelly’s choices to sit beside her, she’s thinking about leaving. And not in the “Bye bitches, see you in a couple days” way either. According to said source, Kelly is still a little pissed about the way things were handled with Michael that she’s ready to put in her permanent walking papers unless she gets her way. But wait, Kelly told us yesterday that everything is fine! I just don’t know what to believe anymore.
Kelly isn’t exactly reaching for a box to pack up her things just yet. ABC is still deciding who they want. They’re also apparently adding more names to the list. According to UsWeekly, they’re also considering Jerry O’Connell. But it doesn’t look good for Kelly. Anderson is currently busy covering the election, and Andy is under contract with Bravo for Watch What Happens Live. I guess if Kelly does end up quitting, that would give Disney a good excuse to pull the plug on Live! and give GMA that third hour they’ve been rumored to be looking at. Hmmm…how convenient for you, Disney.
I understand wanting to work with your friends, but this is all a tad dramatic. Would it honestly be so unbearable to make morning show small talk with Neil Patrick Harris while your bank account gets stuffed with millions of dollars? Hell, if the price was right, I’m sure NPH would throw a little silver in his hair if that’s what will do it for Kelly.
Pic: Splash
Kelly Ripa Makes Her Triumphant Return To Live! And Gave A Sermon About Respect In The Workplace (UPDATE)
Everyone can pull off their veils, get up from their knees and snuff out their prayin’ candles, because the sun is shining again now that Kelly Ripa has bravely returned to the job that pays her $15 million+ a year. God is great!
Kelly Ripa went back to work at Live! with Kelly and Michael this morning after she took a little time off to deal with Disney and her co-host of 4 years Michael Strahan doing her dirty. Kelly felt disrespected when ABC and Michael didn’t tell her beforehand that he’s leaving the show she’s been on FOREVER to do Good Morning America full-time. There were also rumors that ABC doesn’t really care about Live!, even though it’s the second highest-rated syndicated morning show, and want to push it aside to make way for an extra hour of GMA. Kelly got into those rumors as well as the rumors that she and Michael hate each other’s faces so, so much.
Breaking News Update: Kelly Ripa Will Return To Live! With Kelly And Michael
Sitting in the news room here at DListed is like being the news liason for the White House. I’ve got a headset on listening to intel while I scroll through decoded documents and incoming spy reports. When something big comes in, man, oh man, it’s red alert and there’s a lot of shouting. We’re at a shout level 9 right now because it’s come in that Kelly Ripa will return to Live! With Kelly and Michael after all. Allison briefed you on what was happening and speculation yesterday, but now we have word of an update to this harrowing situation.
People is reporting that despite the rumors that Kelly would not return to Live! after it was announced that her co-host, Michael Strahan, would be leaving the show to join ABC’s morning prize pig, Good Morning America, in September, she’ll be back Tuesday. Kelly was reportedly furious that the announcement was made on air without having been told in advance that she went radio silent while on vacation with her family. I can only imagine the alcohol soaked FaceTime calls she and bff Andy Cohen have been having. Mostly I’m just seeing him saying over and over, “Yes, girl, you were wronged, girl. Girl, come on Watch What Happens, girl, and I can get an exclusive, I mean, we can get your side out, girl. Girl.” But, Kelly sent an email to staff about her return and Michael’s departure late Friday night:
Sorry for this late Friday night email. I wanted to thank you all for giving me the time to process this new information. Your kindness, support, and love has overwhelmed me. We are a family and I look forward to seeing you all on Tuesday morning. Love, Kelly.
TMZ is also saying that Kelly’s people met with Disney – or as they put it, “jawboned it with Disney.” What the fuck is jawboning?
She’s extended the family vacation she’s on, having not showed up on Wednesday and Thursday, which leads me to believe she’s setting into motion some long-con Revenge type situation. She might be blonde, but I don’t see her being the Emily Thorne, no, this is going to be some Victoria Grayson shit. Come Tuesday, she’ll be on air sitting in THIS chair. Michael, Gelman, ABC, watch the fuck out!
Pic: Wenn
Kelly Ripa Probably Won’t Be Going Back To Work As Long As Michael Strahan Is There
When Michael Strahan announced that he was leaving Live! with Kelly and Michael for Good Morning America on Tuesday, it didn’t go down nearly as drama-free as he probably thought it would. Michael’s Live! co-host Kelly Ripa was reportedly “blindsided” with the news that he was quitting, which was maybe the reason why she was a no-show for work the next day. Kelly is currently on vacation with her family (a vacation that was reportedly booked before all this messy morning show drama happened), and is supposed to be back on Tuesday. But it sounds like as long as Michael keeps showing up to work, she won’t be.
People is saying that the expiry date on Kelly and Michael’s co-hosting days has passed, and they’re probably never going to work together again. According to a source, it’s a different dynamic now and that Kelly and Michael co-hosting Live! together isn’t really a “viable option” anymore. Word is that Kelly and Michael barely tolerated each other’s asses before all this went down, so it doesn’t take a genius to figure out that Kelly probably hates Michael even more now. If the rumor that Kelly can’t quit because she needs that Live! paycheck for her fancy life is true, she’ll eventually have to go back to work. But when that will be is anyone’s guess.
Kelly is scheduled to return on Tuesday, but no one can get a confirmation on that, because apparently Kelly isn’t returning calls from management. She also isn’t returning any calls or texts from Michael Strahan, but that’s not exactly a shock.
The source goes on to add that there is a chance Kelly could end up crawling back into her co-host chair next to Michael’s, because “anything is possible.” Honestly, I think there’s a better chance of Kelly co-hosting Live! with that jug of moonshine from Broad City than with Michael again. Actually, I would totally watch that. Someone tell Gelman to start sewing a little suit for that jug.
Pic: Disney/ABC