New York, NY – Former co-hosts of “Live!” Kelly Ripa and Michael Strahan are facing an imminent reunion at ABC, stirring up tension among staffers. The two have not shared a stage together in nearly a decade, with Strahan leaving “Live! With Kelly and Michael” abruptly to join ABC’s “Good Morning America” in 2016.
ABC is set to relocate “Good Morning America” from its Times Square studio to a new facility in downtown Manhattan this June, which will place Strahan in uncomfortably close proximity to Ripa, who now co-hosts “Live with Kelly and Mark” alongside her husband, Mark Consuelos. The new studios are located just steps away from each other, with a shared hallway and elevator, increasing the likelihood of an awkward encounter between the ex-colleagues.
The move has prompted concerns among ABC staffers, with sources indicating that special precautions are being considered to prevent any confrontations between Strahan and Ripa. Despite both being consummate professionals, the tension resulting from Strahan’s sudden departure from “Live!” continues to loom over their potential reunion on the network premises.
While ABC has denied any validity to the rumors of tension between Ripa and Strahan, citing their professionalism, the past rift between the two appears to be a lingering issue. Strahan’s move to “GMA” back in 2016 caused a significant upheaval, leading to Ripa’s publicized absence from work and strained relations between the former co-hosts.
The relocation of other ABC shows to the network’s new headquarters at 7 Hudson Square has also raised concerns among employees, as shared spaces and limited resources create potential discomfort among colleagues. The high-stakes environment at ABC underscores the challenges faced by network executives in maintaining a harmonious work environment amid past conflicts.
Despite the passing of time, the strained relationship between Ripa and Strahan remains palpable, with lingering grievances and unresolved issues continuing to cast a shadow over their professional interactions. While both have moved on to successful ventures in their respective shows, the upcoming reunion at ABC’s new headquarters serves as a stark reminder of the tensions that once defined their partnership on “Live!”.
As ABC prepares for the transition to its new facilities, the unresolved tensions between Ripa and Strahan serve as a cautionary tale of the complexities that can arise in the fast-paced world of morning television. The challenges of managing egos, conflicts, and past grievances in such a high-pressure environment underscore the delicate balance required to maintain successful shows and harmonious working relationships in the industry.