Michael Strahan Says Kelly Ripa's 'Live' No-Show Was a "Hard Day" for Everyone

The most exciting week of Live! With Kelly and Michaelin many yearsever continues, with fresh Good Morning America recruit Michael Strahan finally offering a few short words on the current status of his (seemingly in peril) relationship with Kelly Ripa. As previously reported, Strahan's decision to leave Live allegedly came as quite a shock to Ripa and producer Michael Gelman. The day after Strahan broke the news, Ripa was a no-show and was quickly replaced by Ana Gasteyer.

"Michael said during the break that it was 'a hard day' for everyone," a source at the taping tellsEntertainment Tonight. "Michael was positive, professional and graceful throughout the shooting." Though Strahan reportedly hadn't planned to mention news of his imminent departure on the air, ET notes that he ended up mentioning it twice. "I didn't want to say it earlier, but I really want to thank, of course, Kelly Ripa," Strahan said, adding that she taught him "so much" and has been an "amazing influence" on his life and career.

Strahan hasn't publicly mentioned Ripa's response to the news, though sources tell People that he's "hurt" by her reaction. "He very much wanted to do the right thing," the source insists. "It was important to him." Ripa, according toTMZ, is expected to miss more than just Wednesday's Live and may remain MIA for "the foreseeable future."

Sadly, the current Live! With Kelly and Michael rumblings have now officially dethroned the previous series highlight: an excruciatingly loud alarm.