Kelly Ripa, returning to 'Live': 'Our long national nightmare is over'

'I needed a couple of days to gather my thoughts,' Ripa said. 'After 26 years with this company, I earn the right.' Watch video

After a short break from "Live! with Kelly and Michael" and a few days of lively speculation, Kelly Ripa returned to the ABC morning show with what she called a new perspective. 

"Guys, guys, guys, guys, our long national nightmare is over," said Ripa on Tuesday morning, crossing her hands over her red sleeveless blouse as the audience clapped. "I'm fairly certain that there are trained professional snipers with tranquilizer darts in case I drift 'too far off message.'" 

Ripa, 45, was missing from the show on Wednesday, the day after the announcement that Michael Strahan would be leaving to make his part-time gig at "Good Morning America" a full-time job. After being gone for several more days for a planned vacation to celebrate her wedding anniversary, Ripa thanked fans for welcoming her back to the show.

"I needed a couple of days to gather my thoughts," she said. "After 26 years with this company, I earn the right. And let's be honest, I know half of you called in sick to be here, so we get each other." 

During Ripa's absence, reports emerged that she was livid about how the transition was handled -- she had reportedly been told of Strahan's move just shortly before the announcement was made.  

"In that time, I gained some perspective," Ripa continued. "I always speak from the heart. I didn't want to come out here and just, like, say something I might regret. What transpired, though, over the course of a few days has been extraordinary. In the sense that it started a much greater conversation about communication and consideration and, most importantly, respect in the workplace."

Ripa said she has been assured by Disney, ABC's parent company, that the show is still a priority.

"Since we're being honest, I don't consider this just a workplace," she continued. "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. We are incredibly devoted to one another. We are family. Apologies have been made, and the best thing to come out of all of this, you guys, is that our parent company has assured me that 'Live' is a priority. But there is a commitment to the show and the people that work here and most importantly to you, the viewers, who have watched us every day for 30 years." 

Seemingly dispelling any notion of beef with Strahan, Ripa praised her co-host for his achievement. Three substitute hosts, Ana Gasteyer, Erin Andrews and Shay Mitchell, filled in for Ripa during her absence.

"I am thrilled for Michael," she said. "I am thrilled for you. This is a tremendous opportunity. And I couldn't be -- and we couldn't be -- prouder of you and everything we accomplished together." 

But Ripa also took a moment to address the perhaps outsized drama sparked by her absence. 

"So, back to the show, this is entertainment," she said. "It's supposed to be entertaining. So let's get back to what we do best and start the show." Ripa, a Camden County native, added that at least one member of her family was puzzled by the commotion over the morning show. 

"My dad, who was a bus driver for 30 years, thinks we're all crazy," she said. "And I think he's right." 

Strahan, 44, who is due to depart from "Live" in September, briefly responded to Ripa's comments, offering nothing but praise. 

"I'm so happy you're back," he told her. "And one thing I know about you is you love this show. You love the fans, you love the staff, I love you and I am so happy you're here because you brought me here, with Gelman (the show's executive producer), and this show has been transforming for me. Know the show lives on because you're the queen of morning television." 

Ripa was quick to issue a disclaimer: "Oprah's the real queen -- how dare you." 

Strahan: "Oprah's retired now."