Ryan Seacrest is bidding a farewell to Live With Ryan and Kelly. The host with the most announced his plans to exit today on the program after spending six glorious seasons with the cast and crew.
Keep reading for the details.
Ryan Seacrest is bidding a farewell to Live With Ryan and Kelly. The host with the most announced his plans to exit today on the program after spending six glorious seasons with the cast and crew.
Keep reading for the details.
The host revealed he would be leaving the show by Spring in an episode that aired today, and while our hearts are breaking for his departure, we're equally excited for the replacement.
Kelly Ripa, who has been on the show since 2001, will welcome her husband, Mark Consuelos, as the new co-host. He is no stranger to show, as he always dropped by to fill in for Seacrest. However, this one is long-term.
The show will be officially rebranded as Live With Kelly and Mark, and we can't wait to see his face on our screens again.
The 48-year-old revealed he's moving back to the west coast and will continue working with ABC as host of American Idol and Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve With Ryan Seacrest.
In his farewell statement, he described working with Ripa as one of the highlights of his career.
"Working alongside Kelly over the past six years has been a dream job and one of the highlights of my career. She has been an amazing partner, friend, and confidant, and although we will always be a part of each other’s lives, I will miss our mornings together."
He extends his appreciation to Michael Gelman and the staff and crew of Live With Kelly and Ryan as he reminisced over the memories they've shared, which will last a lifetime.
"...met some of the most incredible people and had the warmest welcome into the homes of so many viewers across America. It’s been a memorable ride and now I’m excited to pass the baton to Kelly’s 'real' husband, Mark."
In an emotional statement, Ripa expressed how much she'll miss Seacrest after spending six years together on the show and decades as friends.
"Ryan’s energy, passion and love for entertainment is one-of-a-kind." said the host.
The show's executive producer also penned a touching goodbye message and shared that they're open to welcoming Ryan on the show from time to time. Gelman also had nice things to say about Consuelos.
"Goodbyes are never easy, but we look forward to welcoming Ryan back regularly with open arms. As a fan-favorite guest host for years, Mark is no stranger to the Live family. Having him join the show is so special for us and we’re sure that viewers will feel the same.”
Seacrest shared his future plans with fans on Instagram and also paid tribute to Ripa while he congratulated Consuelos, telling him to feel free to remodel his dressing room.
The philanthropist also plans to open three more Ryan Seacrest Foundation Studios in pediatric hospitals across the country in the summer.
The host expressed his intentions to continue his radio show on KIIS-FM in the Instagram post.
He was named Ripa's co-host on the show in May 2017. He replaced Michael Strahan, who left for Good Morning America.
The former E! host initially signed a three-year contract with the network, but he extended it to six years as he loved it there and had lots of fun on set.
Ripa and Consuelos are very comfortable around each other on air and have the perfect banter to keep viewers entertained.
According to Forbes, the show has spent 56 weeks as number 1 on the highest-rated daytime talk show chart among women between 25-54. It's also the number 1 daytime talk show among households and total viewers.
The host appeared at No. 28 on the Forbes list of the highest-paid celebrities in Hollywood in 2020 with a net worth of $60 million.
Aside from hosting duties, Seacrest also owns a production outfit known as Ryan Seacrest Productions, which famously produced Keeping Up With The Kardashians for 20 seasons.
The actor will be Ripa's fourth permanent co-host during her tenure on the show. Since then, she has witnessed many celebrities pop in and out of the set as temporary fillers.
The pair have been married since 1996 and have three children together.