Just one week after being blindsided by news of co-host Michael Strahan's planned departure, Kelly Ripa took the high road in her much anticipated return alongside him on "Live With Kelly & Michael" on Tuesday, April 26.

"I am thrilled for Michael," she told a live TV audience. "I'm thrilled for you. This is a tremendous opportunity and I couldn't be and we couldn't be prouder of you."

Ripa Angered by What She Considered Poor Treatment

There were growing reports that producers were afraid Ripa might use her opening monologue to blast Strahan and others for what some have characterized as their suspect treatment of her. Reportedly, Ripa refused to take any of Strahan's calls in the days immediately following his announcement, which included news that he would be joining "Good Morning America" on a fulltime basis.

"There clearly would be tension between her and Michael," a source added. "He's on the show for another four months, but could they even be on-air together? Nobody knows what is going to happen."

For what it's worth, Strahan spent the hours leading up to their reunion trying to say all the right things.

"It's a team. It's ABC. It's a group. It's a family," Strahan told Jonathan Tisch during a Monday night interview.

"I don't look at it as if I'm leaving one show in a lurch," he said of his plans to bolt. "I look at it as if I'm needed in this part of the family for now. And that's what it is."

Later, the former NFL star made certain to sing the praises of Ripa far and wide.

"The biggest challenge for me at Live! was co-hosting by myself," he said. "I was so used to co-hosting with Kelly. She's excellent at this. She's like a master and that's my comfort level."

Fans Still Support Ripa

As Ripa made her triumphant return, all her fans still seemed solidly behind her.

Through it all, Ripa managed to keep her sense of humor, joking with guests who saluted her with a standing ovation, "Guys, guys, guys our long national nightmare is over."

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