Talkshow host Jimmy Kimmel has said he never wanted to "make light" of Charlie Kirk's assassination as he returned to US television screens following his brief suspensionn.

Jimmy Kimmel Live! was pre-recorded at El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood and has now begun airing on ABC in the United States at 11.35pm (PST) on Tuesday.

Attendees told CNN the host was treated to a standing ovation as he arrived on stage.

The host began his show with a montage of news clips covering his sensational suspension.

Kimmel was then seen wearing a bear suit while comedian Guillermo Rodriguez dressed as a banana.

As he kicked off his emotional monologue, Kimmel directly addressed the comments he made about Kirk.

"It was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man," Kimmel said

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