Kelly Ripa returned to “Live With Kelly and
Michael” on Tuesday morning, and she immediately addressed the recent controversy
surrounding the show, controversy which began when it was made public that
Michael Strahan is moving to “GMA.”
After a lengthy standing ovation from the studio audience,
Kelly spoke to the crowd by herself, at first making light of the situation.
“Our long national nightmare is over. Please sit down,
please, please be seated,” she told the audience.
WATCH: Kelly Ripa On ‘Kelly And Michael’ Snapchat
She then made a joke about the remarks she was about to give.
“I’m fairly certainly that there are trained, professional snipers with tranquilizer darts in case I drift too far off message,” she said, holding her hands up and making air quote symbols.
WATCH: Kelly Ripa & Michael Strahan’s ‘Live’ Split: New Fallout
As she addressed the audience, the “Live” host thanked fans for welcoming her back and supporting her. She also addressed her absence from the program and some of the rumors.
“I first want to honestly, sincerely thank you for welcoming me back to [the] show,” she said. “The love, the show of support through this bizarre time has been really overwhelming. I really — I needed a couple of days to gather my thoughts. After 26 years with this company, I earned the right, and let’s be honest, I know half of you called in sick to be here, so we get each other.”
Kelly said during her time off, she “gained some perspective.”
“I didn’t want to come out here and just like, say something I might regret. So what transpired though, over the course of a few days, has been extraordinary in the sense that it started a much greater conversation about communication and consideration and most importantly, respect in the work place,” she told the audience.
WATCH: Michael Strahan Talks Becoming Kelly Ripa’s Live! Co-Host
The “Live” host said she considers her job a “second home.”
“We have an incredible team, we are incredibly devoted to one another, we are family. Apologies have been made and the best thing to come out of all of this, you guys, is that our parent company has assured me that ‘Live’ is a priority,” she continued.
Kelly said she is happy for her co-host, Michael, as he makes his move to “GMA” full time.
“I am thrilled for Michael,” she said, looking at Michael. “This is a tremendous opportunity, and I couldn’t be, and we couldn’t be, prouder of you and everything we [accomplished] together.”
Michael gave Kelly a standing ovation after she finished her remarks and as she returned to her seat in their co-host chairs, he also made some comments.
“I’m so happy you’re back,” he said.
“And one thing I know about you is you love this show, you love fans, you love the staff,” he said.
“This show has been transforming for me and I know the show lives on because you are the queen of morning television and it will continue to go, and I’m right down the street. You need me, I’m coming back to help out,” he added.
— Jolie Lash
Copyright © 2024 by NBC Universal, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
This material may not be republished, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.