Kelly Ripa returned to the set of Live! With Kelly and Michael on April 26, and addressed the drama swirling around cohost Michael Strahan’s surprise departure.
After walking on stage hand in hand with Strahan, Ripa dove into a monologue to open the show, addressing her unscheduled absence the day after Strahan’s announcement.
“I first want to honestly, sincerely thank you for welcoming me back to the show. The show of support through this bizarre time has been really overwhelming,” Ripa said. “I needed a couple of days to gather my thoughts after 26 years with this company, I earned the right… let’s be honest.”
Ripa went on to say she has, Strahan and the network have made amends.
Image via Flickr/mehmetcagatay