Michael Strahan
Michael Strahan, photographed at the IWC Schaffhausen “For the Love of Cinema” gala in New York City, on April 14, 2016, announced co-star Kelly Ripa’s return to “Live!” during Monday’s episode. Getty Images

Kelly Ripa is finally returning to “Live!” after nearly a week of absence. Co-host Michael Strahan, who announced that he was leaving the show for “Good Morning America” on April 19, shared the news with viewers during Monday’s broadcast.

During the show the former NFL super star informed fans that Ripa, 45, would be back on “Live!” on Tuesday. He claimed that she was not on the show due to scheduled time off. Ripa was reportedly celebrating “her 20th anniversary” with her husband, Mark Consuelos. He did not attempt to explain the other days she did not appear on “Live!” Strahan told those tuning in that he, along with the others working on the show, were thrilled to have her back.

“She’s going to be back tomorrow, which we are all excited about,” he said.

People magazine reported on April 23 that Ripa had finally spoken out about Strahan leaving the show. In a short email sent to her staff she is said to have thanked them for giving her time and space to cope with her feelings. In closing she confirmed that she would be “seeing you all” on Tuesday, insinuating that she would be returning to work.

“Sorry for this late Friday night email. I wanted to thank you all for giving me the time to process this new information. Your kindness, support, and love has overwhelmed me. We are a family and I look forward to seeing you all on Tuesday morning. Love, Kelly,” the message read.

Although Ripa took a short respite from filming “Live!” Strahan returned day after day and even took a moment to send a sweet message to his co-star. During the April 21 airing of the syndicated daytime talk show he spoke out about quitting the show, claiming he was going to “miss everybody” that he’d been working with since 2012. Strahan said that he was “thankful” mostly to Ripa, whom he’d been “having a lot of fun” with since starting on the show. He also credited her and producer Michael Gelman with teaching him what it takes to stand out as a “Live!” co-host.

Strahan’s departure from the show was announced last week. ABC confirmed that he would be instead starring fulltime on “GMA” — which he currently appears one two times a week. Strahan will continue to appear on “Live!” until September.

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