Kelly Ripa misses Michael Strahan's 'Live!' departure announcement

Michael Strahan formally announced on Wednesday's "Live! with Kelly and Michael" that he's leaving the program to move to "Good Morning America" on a full-time basis, but his co-host Kelly Ripa was not there.

Ripa, who was reportedly left in the dark about the Strahan's decision, was out today with Ana Gasteyer filling in. The show did not immediately return TheWrap's request for comment as to whether Ripa had previously scheduled vacation or if her absence was a reaction to Strahan's decision.

PHOTOS: Michael Strahan and Kelly Ripa

"Kelly is off today," Strahan said. "I've been in the news lately."

Also Read:Kelly Ripa Kept 'In the Dark' as Michael Strahan Sprinted to 'GMA'

The NFL Hall of Famer went on to say, "I'm leaving this show and I'm a go to 'GMA' full time, which is going to happen in September."

Strahan, a former New York Giant, is seen as a rising star at ABC, and the network hopes to exploit his growing popularity for a more high-profile show that is in the midst of an ongoing ratings battle with NBC's "Today." He's been a "GMA" contributor since 2014.

"It is the same channel. I'm not going anywhere. I was reading some stuff and it sounds like I died," Strahan said.

Read original story: Kelly Ripa Misses Michael Strahan's 'Live!' Departure Announcement At TheWrap