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Kelly Ripa wore black - like it was a funeral.
But the only tears were ones of boredom, when it became clear there wouldn’t be any snippy comments or shade on Michael Strahan’s hyper-upbeat final episode of “Live! With Kelly and Michael.” No surprise - the show has always been an over-caffeinated, cheesy love fest and this farewell was no exception.
That's why the spectacularly dark tales that emerged from behind the scenes over the last few weeks drew so much attention.
Strahan wrongly blind-sided Ripa with news he was moving downtown to co-host "Good Morning America," she said. Ripa disappeared suddenly for a few days and returned pushing for his early exit. She didn't want to talk to him unless they were on the air.
All true stories. Clearly breaking the news of Strahan's departure could have been handled better.
Ripa railed that she had been "disrespected," demanded an apology - and got one. Maybe Strahan should have clued her in to his plans. He opted not to because his ABC bosses told him they would handle it.
And they did - poorly.
There were no snippy comments or shade on Michael Strahan’s hyper-upbeat final episode of “Live! With Kelly and Michael.”
(ABC)
Ripa left town in a huff, came back and demanded Strahan leave the show as soon as possible.
All it created was more drama than necessary, but none of that was evident in the final show. The pair handled it like the pros they are.
"We really are so, so proud of you," Ripa said offering a champagne toast to Strahan at the end of the show.
Earlier he grinned: "I'm happy," he said. "I'm not six feet under - I'm six feet above the ground.
He added, "I'm not dying! I'm still in the family," he pleaded, noting he would happily step in to co-host if he was ever invited back.
Mike - her anger burned like a hot sun on this one. Don't hold your breath, big guy.