Kelly Ripa Confirms Rumors Of Strained Relationship With Regis Philbin: 'You Can't Make A Person Befriend You'

Kelly Ripa is giving us a glimpse into her life in her new book Live Wire: Long-Winded Short Stories, which was released September 27. In the book Ripa talked about her marriage to Mark Consuelos as well as her relationship with former Live! co-host Regis Philbin.

In her book, she revealed there were struggles when she joined the talk show after Kathie Lee Gifford's departure, especially considering Philbin wasn't looking for a co-host.

Ripa said writing the part about her relationship with Philbin was the most difficult part, but she wanted to set the record straight.

Ripa is making the rounds promoting her book.

You can view her interview with CBS Mornings below:

When asked about bad blood and rumors Philbin was not invited back to the show, Ripa replied:

"That's not true. And what was so baffling...was that he'd been invited back, he'd been invited back to host."

"I had seen him on camera and off camera, and I wasn't sure why A) I was villified and B) why it would be solely my responsibility to maintain what was really just a working relationship."

Ripa continued:

"We did not share this close friendship that was assumed. I have still enormous respect for him, and I truly think he is still the greatest storyteller of all time."

Many validated Ripa's struggles, noting the work and relationship couldn't have come easy.

Others felt the revelations were in poor taste as Philbin is unable to defend himself.

Ripa finished the interview confirming she did cherish their time together.

"I loved working with him. I thought it was a unique experience. I learned so much."