Kelly Ripa and Michael Strahan reunited Tuesday when she returned to "Live! With Kelly and Michael" after Ripa went absent when news broke last week that Strahan was jumping to "Good Morning America."
Ripa reportedly felt "blindsided" by the news that Strahan was leaving and angered that she was left out of the loop, according to the
New York Post. She called in sick last Wednesday and remained absent from the show until Tuesday, noted
Us Weekly.
"I first want to honestly, sincerely thank you for welcoming me back to the show," Ripa said on her return. "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.
"… And since we're being honest, I don't consider this just a workplace. This is my second home. This is a place that I've devoted myself to not just because of you, our loyal viewers, but because of all of the producers and the crew who work on this show. We have an incredible team."
Ripa said she received apologies and assurances that the talk show was a priority before turning her attention to her co-host, noted Us Weekly.
"I am thrilled for Michael," Ripa said. "This is a tremendous opportunity and I couldn't be and we couldn't be prouder of you. And everything we accomplished together."
The Wrap reported that Strahan and Ben Sherwood, president of Disney/ABC Television Group, both offered apologies to Ripa about how Strahan's announced move to "Good Morning America" was handled.
"They talked over the weekend," a source close to the "Live! With Kelly and Michael" show told The Wrap. "I think Kelly appreciated the apology."
The Ripa, 45, and Strahan, 44, according to a New York Post source, "did not get along," and they only communicated with each other off the set through representatives.
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