Kelly Ripa was absent fromLive With Kelly and Michaelthe day after ABC announced it was moving Michael Strahan toGood Morning America. Instead, former Saturday Night Live cast member Ana Gasteyer pitched in with co-hosting duties. Todd Plitt, USA TODAY Ripa was absent when Michael Strahan's impending departure was discussed on 'Live.' 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. 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 afterDr. 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 makemecry."