Michael Strahan Leaving 'Live' Much Earlier Than Expected

Michael Strahan is leaving Live! with Kelly and Michael way earlier than it was first reported.

The 44-year-old television personality was originally expected to leave Live! in September to make the transition full time to GMA. But now, Michael is going to be leaving on May 13, Variety has confirmed.

“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 that. Now he can enjoy his summer,” a source told People about the situation.

“They admitted that they handled it wrong and put him in a terrible position,” the source added. “The network decided and the show decided that they wanted more time to find the cohost. He’s fine either way…this is not about feeling awkward with Kelly. He was willing to stay until the fall, but the network is saying this gives them more time to find the co-host. He’s a team player. He will do what they ask.”

“The vibe between them is all business. It remained tense,” the source continued about Kelly, who addressed the situation on today’s show. “Nobody knew what was going to happen. Nobody shared with Michael what she was going to do. But he just went there to do his show and be professional.”