Christina Applegate says she is enjoying her time back in the spotlight after walking the red carpet at the Emmy Awards.[Agencies]

Christina Applegate declared the Emmy awards are "what life’s all about" after making one of her first major public appearances since beating breast cancer.

The Samantha Who? actress - who was presenting one of the prizes - couldn’t disguise her happiness as she walked down the red carpet at the 60th annual event.

Christina - who underwent a double mastectomy operation - said: "It's a great day. I've got a pretty dress on and lipstick, and it's something I haven't done in two months.

"It really feels good to be here. That's what life's all about.

"Things happen, and you have to sit back and really, really embrace your life."

The former Married ... With Children actress had both breasts removed after undergoing a double masectomy.

She said her implants would give her "cute breasts" until she was 90.