Michael Strahan has another supporter in his corner.
Chef Mario Batali had nothing but kind things to say about the former NFL player when he chatted with E! News at the Food Bank of New York City Can Do Awards, following Tuesday's statement that Strahan would be leaving LIVE! to join Good Morning America full time.
"I talked to him the moment I heard the news. I commend him for making another step forward on a complicated career path that has endless opportunities for a guy as smart as him," the restaurateur said. "He's fantastic. He's really good at it. He's a natural. He's got a great vocabulary. He's an original thinker. He's got a great sense of humor. Chicks and dudes dig him. I mean, where can you go wrong?"
Strahan was slated to host the Can Do Awards alongside Batali, but he didn't appear. Instead, he recorded a video message with an apology that was played in his absence.
Meanwhile, Kelly Ripa was spotted for the first time since the announcement leaving her home with husband Mark Consuelos. She isn't scheduled to return to LIVE! until at least Tuesday with Erin Andrews and Shay Mitchell filling in.
E! News exclusively learned Ripa was angry when she heard the news of Strahan's exit at the same time as everyone else. "She was livid," a source said. "It wasn't pretty."
Amidst the talk show shake-up, Batali admits he would "love" the opportunity to work with Ripa. Watch the clip above to find out why!