Kelly Ripa tears up, holds hands with Michael Strahan as she makes her return to 'Live!'

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Kelly Ripa Makes Emotional Return to 'Live!' After 'Bizarre' Week
Kelly Ripa Makes Emotional Return to 'Live!' After 'Bizarre' Week

Kelly Ripa's return to Live! With Kelly and Michael on Tuesday was inevitably awkward for both herself and Michael Strahan, but they made it work.

The 45-year-old co-host had not appeared on the show since it was announced earlier last week that Strahan would be leaving Live! in September for a full-time position at Good Morning America.

WATCH: 7 Times Kelly Ripa and Michael Strahan Gave Us the Ultimate Friendship Goals!

The co-hosts came out on Tuesday holding hands, but Ripa chose to stand alone when tearfully addressing the audience, who gave her a standing ovation. "Guys, guys, guys! Our long national nightmare is over!" she quipped. "I am fairly certain that there are trained professional snipers with trained tranquilizer darts in case I go too far off message."

Ripa said that she needed some time to process the news of Strahan's departure, admitting that it caught her off guard. "The love, the show of support to this bizarre time has been really overwhelming. I really needed a couple of days to gather my thoughts after 26 years at this company, I earned the right," she said. "In that time, I gained some perspective. I always speak from the heart and I didn't want to come out here and just say something I might regret. So, what transpired over the course of these days has been extraordinary. It started a much bigger conversation about communication and consideration and, most importantly, respect in the workplace."

See photos of Kelly Ripa through the years:

EXCLUSIVE: Katie Couric Hopes Kelly Ripa Is 'Transparent' About Live!Drama in Return

She added, "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 have devoted myself to not just because of you, our loyal viewers, but because of all the producers and the crew who work on this show."

Ripa insisted that she was happy for her co-host's new job. "I am thrilled for Michael. I am thrilled for you. This is a tremendous opportunity. I couldn't be and we couldn't be prouder of you and of everything we've accomplished together," she said as the audience applauded. She then quipped, "I just want to say one thing, my dad, who was a bus driver for 30 years, thinks we are all crazy!"

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WATCH: Michael Strahan Leaving Live! Confuses Kelly Ripa's Pal Andy Cohen -- 'It Ended Way Too Prematurely'

Strahan expressed his excitement for having Ripa back on the show. "I am so happy you are back. One thing I know about you, and you love this show, you love the fans, you love the staff," he gushed. "I love you, and I am so happy you are here because you brought me here with [executive producer Michael] Gelman, and this show has been transforming for me."

Continuing to compliment his co-host, he continued, "I know this show lives on because you are the Queen of Morning Television, and it will continue to go and I'm right down the street! You need me, I'm coming back to help out."

See photos of Kelly Ripa and Michael Strahan together through the years:

America Ninja Warrior's Akbar Gbajabiamila posted a pic of the co-hosts prior to the show, insisting all was good on set. "There is no drama in the NYC with @kellyripa and @michaelstrahan. #CanWeAllJustGetAlong #kellyandmichael," he tweeted.

Ahead of her return to the daytime talk show, CNN reported that Ripa and Strahan received apologies from the top brass at ABC regarding the mishandled announcement, and the executives "expressed regret for the way Kelly was told the news."

On Friday, Ripa reached to the Live! staff in an email, praising her co-workers. "Your kindness, support and love has overwhelmed me," Ripa's note read. "We are a family and I look forward to seeing you all on Tuesday morning. Love, Kelly."

WATCH: See Kelly Ripa's full monologue from her return:

"LIVE with Kelly and Michael": Kelly's Return
"LIVE with Kelly and Michael": Kelly's Return

WATCH: Michael Strahan vs. Kelly Ripa and 8 Other Celebs Who Didn't Get Along on Set

Meanwhile, Strahan, 44, has continued to compliment his co-host amid all the drama. "She's just been an amazing influence on me, and this has truly changed my life to be here with her," he told the Live! audience last Wednesday. "Kelly, I thank you. I love you, and everyone else here at Live!"

Michael Strahan Continues to Praise Kelly Ripa in Wake of 'LIVE!' Drama
Michael Strahan Continues to Praise Kelly Ripa in Wake of 'LIVE!' Drama

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