Michael Strahan is hoping his last day on Live! With Kelly and Michael will fly under the radar.
After four years, the former football player will mark his last day co-hosting beside Kelly Ripa on Friday, but E! News has learned he really doesn't want to make a bigger deal about it than it's already become.
A source tells us, "He's not looking for anyone to go out of their way. Just simple and low-key. He doesn't need hoopla. He appreciates everyone's efforts but it's not something he expects or needs."
Strahan only announced he would be leaving the show less than a month ago and originally promised fans that he would remain by Ripa's side until September. However, plans swiftly changed after Ripa was informed of the news without warning.
Strahan's quick departure likely has something to do with Kelly's desire to find someone new ASAP.
"We have to now find another great person, which is fun but challenging," she told People this week. "Our show is one based on chemistry and camaraderie and trust. All those things don't just happen; it doesn't fall out of the sky. It takes a lot of work, and it takes a group discussion."
She continued, "What we've explained to [executives] is, well, if you had asked us, we would have told you, 'Guys, we need to start looking because we have summer hiatus, we have vacation time. We need to find people. If we're going to have this list narrowed down at least to a manageable size by the fall, we need to start now.'"
Several names have been circulating in who could take the seat beside Ripa in the future. However, one name seems to keep getting repeated more so than others: Anderson Cooper.
He and Ripa have been friends for quite some time, and as she told People, "I like having a partner. I don't think it works otherwise. I need someone sitting next to me."