"Live" wars: Ripa takes the high road, Strahan opts for an earlier exit

Kelly Ripa returns to "Live" after shake-up

"Guys, guys, guys," Kelly Ripa offered on her first day back at work. "Our long national nightmare is over."

Ripa returned to "Live with Kelly and Michael" exactly one week after news broke that co-host Michael Strahan would be leaving for "Good Morning America" at the end of the summer, setting off a barrage of controversy that included Ripa refusing to come in the next day before heading off on vacation.

But to see Ripa -- wearing a sleeveless red pantsuit and basking in extended applause from the audience -- took the high road as she made her first statements under intense scrutiny.

I'm fairly certain that there are trained professional snipers with tranquilizer darts if I drift too far off message," Ripa joked before getting serious. "I needed a couple of days to gather my thoughts, and after 26 years with this company, I've earned that."

She also called out the attention her departure and return have received. "Let's be honest, most of you called in sick to be here, so we get each other."

Reflecting on the media firestorm that developed in the wake of her reaction, Ripa looked on the bright side. "I started a much greater conversation about communication and consideration and, most importantly, respect in the workplace," she said. "I don't consider this just a workplace. This is my second home. Apologies have been made. Our parent company has assured me that 'Live' is a priority.

Tellingly, the camera remained tightly trained on Ripa -- even when she offered a message of support to Strahan -- and her co-host did not appear on camera until they met at their table.

"This is entertainment, it's supposed to be entertaining," Ripa concluded. "My dad, who was a bus driver for 30 years, thinks we're all crazy."

How much the pair has actually buried the hatchet may remain a mystery, though. Body language experts could have had a field day watching Ripa's posture change the closer Strahan got to her during their first segment.

Shortly after Tuesday's telecast, Ripa was upstaged by Strahan yet again, as it was announced that he will leave the show for full-time duties on ABC's "Good Morning America" in May, not September.Strahan's last day on "Live" will now be May 13, "which not only gives the show the chance to have a nice send-off for him during the May (ratings) book, but to also immediately begin the on-air search for a new co-host," a publicist for the show said.

This time, at least, Ripa was reportedly consulted about it before the announcement was made.

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