Kelly Ripa and Michael Strahan are seemingly back to normal.
Despite the fact ABC announced Tuesday that Strahan would be leaving Live! With Kelly and Michael even earlier than scheduled, the co-hosts didn't acknowledge the decision—or the turmoil—Wednesday and were back to business as usual. Strahan originally said he would be staying on Live! until September, but Tuesday the network revealed his last day would be in a couple of weeks.
"After meeting with the producers of both Live and Good Morning America, and after speaking with Kelly and Michael, we have decided on a plan that best advantages both shows for the future. To that end, Michael's last day on Live will be on Friday, May 13, which not only gives the show the chance to have a nice send-off for him during the May book, but to also immediately begin the on-air search for a new co-host," a show spokesperson told E! News. "This plan also allows GMA to start integrating Michael into the show more often this summer before his full-time start in September."
Wednesday morning Kelly and Michael walked out hand-in-hand once again, making their way to their seats before launching into a funny introduction about eyelash extensions, hair extensions and the invention of the shake weight. Tuesday marked Kelly's first day back from her hiatus, which she decided to take after hearing Strahan would be leaving at about the same time as everyone else. A source told E! News she was "livid" with the way the news broke, but after a few days away from the office Kelly cooled off and gave an emotional speech at the start of her talk show yesterday morning.
"I really needed a couple of days to gather my thoughts. After 26 years with this company, I earned the right—and let's be honest, I know half of you called in sick to be here, so we get each other. In that time, I gained some perspective. I always speak from the heart. I didn't want to come out here and just, like, say something I might regret," she said during the show's monologue.
"What transpired, though, over the course of a few days has been extraordinary in the sense that it started a much greater conversation about communication and consideration and, most importantly, respect in the workplace. Since we're being honest, I don't consider this just a workplace," she continued. "This is my second home. This is a place that I've devoted myself to, not just because of you, our loyal viewers, but because of all of the producers and the crew who work on this show. We have an incredible team. We are incredibly devoted to one another. We are family."