Kelly Ripa says she’s happy for Michael Strahan
Kelly Ripa returned on Tuesday to Live! With Kelly and Michael, after a tense departure in the wake of learning that co-host Michael Strahan was leaving for a new job.
While Ripa said she was happy for Strahan, she also expressed her feelings about hearing the news as it was announced with the rest of the world.
Kelly Ripa a no-show day after co-host Michael Strahan announces exit
“Guys, guys guys, guys – our long national nightmare is over,” Ripa said as she addressed the audience who gave her a standing ovation. “Look, I am fairly certain that there are trained professional snipers with tranquilizer darts in case I drift too far off message.”
“I want to honestly and sincerely thank you for welcoming me back to the show, the show of support through this bizarre time has been overwhelming,” she continued. “I needed a couple of days to gather my thoughts. After 26 years with this company I earned the right. …In that timed I gained some perspective. I always speak from the heart so I didn’t want to come out here and say something I regret.”
Michael Strahan leaving ‘Live’ to join ‘Good Morning America’ as full-time anchor
She said that the whole incident had brought to the forefront an important conversation about “communication, consideration, and most importantly, respect in the workplace.”
Ripa went on to confirm that “apologies have been made” before congratulating Strahan on his new post at Good Morning America.
“I am thrilled for you,” she said and insisted the entire show should be proud of him.
Strahan responded with smiles and compliments to Ripa, saying, “I’m so happy you’re back. And one thing I know about you is, you love this show. You love the fans. You love this staff. I love you.”
Strahan, 44, starts his new hosting job at Good Morning America in September.  The former New York Giants football star and Houston, TX native got his start on “Live!” in 2011.
Michael Strahan reaches new heights for pro athletes in retirement
