Today, Ryan Seacrest announced that he will be leaving his co-hosting role on Live with Kelly and Ryan after six years. His last day on the show will be this spring. Replacing Seacrest will be Kelly Ripa’s actor husband, Mark Consuelos.
Seacrest has been a part of the show since 2017 when he signed a three-year contract. However, he chose to stay on for an additional three years. He did not give a specific reason for his departure.
Seacrest is leaving Live with Kelly and Ryan to focus on other opportunities in Los Angeles, where he will continue to serve as host for American Idol and Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest.
Ripa, who has been the show’s mainstay since 2001, expressed her understanding of Seacrest’s decision. A source close to Seacrest told DailyMail.com that the decision to leave was difficult, but that he was ready to explore other opportunities.
Michael Gelman, the executive producer of the show, said that while goodbyes are never easy, they look forward to welcoming Seacrest back regularly with open arms and that they are excited to have Consuelos as the new co-host.
Since its launch in 1983 as The Morning Show, the show has gone through various transitions and co-hosts. It was rebranded as Live with Regis and Kathie Lee in 1988, with Kathie Lee Gifford replacing Ann Abernathy until Gifford left abruptly in 2000 amidst a slew of scandals surrounding her marriage. Regis Philbin then hosted the show solo for a year, until he was joined by Ripa in 2001. Michael Strahan joined the show in 2012 and stayed until 2016 when he left for a coveted seat on Good Morning America.
The show, the highest-rated in daytime television, will now be rebranded to Live with Kelly and Mark. The concept of the show is returning to its original form, with a husband and wife casually discussing family issues while drinking coffee on-air.
Consuelos is best known for his roles in All My Children and Riverdale. He and Ripa have been married since 1996.
Seacrest expressed his sadness in his Instagram post, saying he will miss his “work wife” and the laughter they shared. He also said that he was grateful to have been able to share a cup of coffee with viewers every day, which he said was one of the best parts of the job.
Live with Kelly and Mark will be returning to the airwaves this spring.
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