Ripa made herLive!debut alongsideRegis Philbinin 2001, replacing co-hostKathie Lee Giffordfollowing a nationwide search.
“It was the strangest experience I’ve ever had in my life,” Ripa said.
“I was told that I couldn’t have an office.
Kelly Ripa.Rob Kim/Getty Images
Ripa was told that the empty offices were reserved for executives visiting from the west coast.
“And I said, ‘Saving it for what?'”
“And they go, ‘Well, for when the new guy comes.’
Kelly Ripa and Michael Strahan on ‘Live With Kelly and Michael’.David Steele/Disney-Walt Disney Television via Getty Images
“I just moved my things.
I’m still the new girl.
“I don’t think they wanted to pay me.
I think they had to pay me,” she said.
“I was trying to walk out the door and close it behind me.
I think that was really the impetus behind paying me fairly.
They had no choice.”
Though Ripa knew of current co-hostRyan Seacrest’s departure for some time, it initially caused some anxiety.
He’ll soon be replaced with Ripa’s husband,Mark Consuelos.
“Ryan and Mark were like, ‘What are you nervous about?
It’s going to be fine,'” Ripa said.
“And I said to them, ‘You have to forgive me.
I have a little PTSD.'”
Seacrest’s final appearance onLive!will be on April 14.
Consuelos will debut on the April 17 episode on the rebrandedLive with Kelly and Mark.
