Michael Strahan says goodbye to Kelly Ripa and ‘Live’

Michael Strahan’s last day alongside cohost Kelly Ripa on “Live with Kelly and Michael” was breezy and dry-eyed.

“We couldn’t be prouder of you,” Ripa told Strahan during a farewell Champagne toast at the end of their program on Friday. “You have given us so much joy in the mornings, from your smile, to your sense of humor, to your horrible French accent. We’ve achieved so much together, and I look forward to watching you every morning and see what else you achieve over at ‘Good Morning America.’”

Ripa presented Strahan, a former NFL star, with a bronzed pair of women’s high heels that he wore as part of a costume for one of the show’s on-air Halloween celebrations.

“Nobody rocks a size 16 stiletto better than you,” she said.

Ripa also presented Strahan with a framed “throwback” photo of him wearing short shorts in which an image of Ripa wearing the same outfit was added.

Strahan said his departure from the show was “very bittersweet.” He thanked the production staff, the audience, the technical crew and, once the credits started rolling, Ripa. “Kelly, you are the best, I love you, baby,” he said giving her a friendly kiss just before the stations that carry the show went to local commercials.

Strahan was scheduled to leave the Disney/ABC syndicated talk show in September for his new assignment on ABC’s “Good Morning America.” But his transition was accelerated after a backstage drama, as Ripa was upset about not being informed of the change until shortly before it was announced on April 19.

Ripa then sat out from the show for two days before going on a scheduled vacation. She received an apology from her bosses and returned to the program; her return episode became memorable for her brief monologue to the audience about respect in the workplace. Though the two went back to work together, Strahan’s departure date was moved up.

There was no reference to the discord during Friday’s show, nor was there any real emotional exchange between the two. The duo was more effusive in remarks made to the audience after the broadcast, which were posted on YouTube.

Strahan, who became a hit with the audience and clearly with the ABC News executives who poached him for “GMA,” described his experience on “Live” as “life-changing.”

As is the ritual for departing hosts of morning programs, Strahan’s four-year run was celebrated in highlights of stunts and humorous moments that occurred during his tenure.

Starting Monday, the show will be called “Live with Kelly.”

ABC late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, in New York for the network’s “upfront” presentation to advertisers, will be Ripa’s guest cohost next week. Various cohosts will appear alongside her until a permanent replacement for Strahan is named.

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