Michael Strahan Leaving ‘Live’ Sooner Than Expected

Shortly after Kelly Ripa's return to LIVE! with Kelly & Michael Tuesday, it was announced that co-host Michael Strahan would be leaving the show than originally announced.

"May 13 is his last show," a source tells People magazine exclusively. "He'll take the summer off and GMA can integrate him early before September, and this will give Live!more time to find the co-host. He's totally fine with that. Now he can enjoy his summer."

ABC also issued a statement, saying, "After meeting with the producers of both Live! and Good Morning America, and after speaking with Kelly and Michael, we have decided on a plan that best advantages both shows for the future."

The statement added, "To that end, Michael's last day on Live! will be on Friday, May 13, which not only gives the show the chance to have a nice send-off for him during the May book, but to also immediately begin the on-air search for a new co-host."

"This plan also allows GMA to start integrating Michael into the show more often this summer before his full-time start in September."

People also learned that executive from ABC apologized to Strahan for putting him in a difficult position, with Ripa not finding out about his departure for Good Morning America only minutes before the official announcement.

"They admitted that they handled it wrong and put him in a terrible position," the source says. "The network decided and the show decided that they wanted more time to find the cohost. He's fine either way."

Source: People.com