Kelly Ripa absent from 'Live' after Strahan news

Kelly Ripa was absent from Live With Kelly and Michael the day after ABC announced it was moving Michael Strahan to Good Morning America.

Instead, former Saturday Night Live cast member Ana Gasteyer pitched in with co-hosting duties.

After explaining that his co-host was off Wednesday, Strahan confirmed, "Yes, I am leaving this show. I'm going over to GMA full-time, which is going to happen in September."

Ripa did not previously mention that she'd be off and her absence, on a day when the news would surely be discussed on-air, was immediately noticed and analyzed by the media. A representative for Ripa did not immediately respond to USA TODAY's query as to whether she will be back for Thursday's show.

Michael Strahan to join 'GMA' as full-time co-anchor

The former NFL star has been with the show since 2012. With an average audience of 4.1 million, it is the second-most-watched syndicated show after Dr. Phil.

Once Strahan departs, the show will return to its tried-and-true method of auditioning guest hosts. Both he and Ripa won their permanent slots through that system.

He reminded the audience that he's still got a few months to go before he abandons his chair and issued a plea: "You better not start crying because you're going to make me cry."