Kelly Ripa is a class act.
After it was revealed that her co-host Michael Strahan was leaving Live! With Kelly and Michael for Good Morning America last Tuesday, Ripa made her return to the daytime talk show. The actress took time to “process” the news and went on a previously planned vacation with her husband Mark Consuelos after Strahan’s departure was announced.
Ripa, who walked out holding hands with Strahan, addressed the audience by herself. She was greeted to roaring applause.
"Guys, guys guys, guys– our long national nightmare is over," Ripa joked. "Look, I am fairly certain that there are trained professional snipers with tranquilizer darts in case I drift too far off message."
A teary-eyed Ripa, who was reportedly angry she was not informed of Strahan’s departure earlier, thanked the crowd and explained her absence.
“I earned the right to process this. In that time I gained some perspective. I always speak from the heart so I didn't want to come out here and say something I regret."
Ripa added “apologies have been made” and took time to congratulate Strahan.
The former New York Giant will continue his time at Live! until September before heading over to GMA full time.
Watch the video below: