Kelly Ripa Returns To ‘LIVE!’ After Executives Grovel

Kelly Ripa looked grim heading out to shoot this morning's "LIVE! With Kelly and Michael" — after the furious talk-show diva hit the roof over co-host Michael Strahan sneaking behind her back to make a permanent move to "Good Morning America." As revealed by The National ENQUIRER, "LIVE!" staffers were saying that Kelly had indulged Michael's ego and ultimately been betrayed by both him and the ABC Network executives who oversee both shows!

Kelly came out alone at the start of the show, as pictured — and said: “I am fairly certain there are trained professional snipers with tranquilizer darts in case I drive too far off message." That referenced reports by RadarOnline.com that network executives were terrified that she'd go back to ranting in anger about her co-host. Instead, Kelly was on her best behavior after getting a groveling apology from ABC brass!

"I needed a couple of days to gather my thoughts," Kelly told the audience — briefly slipping into bitterness by adding: "After 26 years with this company, I earned the right. And, let’s be honest, I know half of you called in sick to be here, so we get each other.”

Kelly also assured the audience that she had been victimized and had stood up for herself. “What transpired over course of a few days has been extraordinary," Kelly said, "in the sense that it started a much greater conversation about communication and consideration — and, most importantly, respect in the workplace.”

“Apologies have been made," added Kelly, "and the best thing to come out of all of this, is that our parent company has assured me that 'LIVE!' is a priority." That last statement was seemingly made to assure nervous staffers who'd told The ENQUIRER that there were still rumors that Michael had been hired with plans to replace "LIVE!" with an added third hour of "Good Morning America." (Kelly might also have given a clue about her preferred new co-host by carrying the new book by Anderson Cooper.)

Michael was finally allowed to appear on the set, and wasn't shy about doing his own pandering: “I’m so happy you’re back," he told Kelly. "You love the show, love the fans, love the staff — I love you. This show has been transforming for me, and I know this show lives on because you are the Queen of Morning Television!"