NEW YORK — Kelly Ripa returned to her daytime talk show Tuesday after time off to “gather (her) thoughts” in response to learning her co-host Michael Strahan is leaving, saying the incident had started a conversation about workplace respect.

She also told the audience that her bosses had apologized to her, and she'd received assurances that the “Live with Kelly and Michael” show was important to parent Walt Disney Co.

But only hours after the show's telecast, Ripa's remarks were upstaged by an updated announcement that Strahan will leave in May for full-time duties on ABC's “Good Morning America,” not in September, as previously indicated.

Strahan's last day on “Live” will now be May 13, “which not only gives the show the chance to have a nice send-off for him during the May (ratings) book, but to also immediately begin the on-air search for a new co-host,” said a publicist for the show.

Ripa, Strahan, and producers of “Live” and “GMA” were consulted in reaching the decision on Strahan's departure date, the publicist said.

The former soap opera actress has been co-host of “Live” since 2001, first with Regis Philbin and then with Strahan.