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Kelly Ripa Is No Longer Hosting ‘Live’ Alone—Here’s What We Know

Kelly Ripa is no longer holding down the Live with Kelly and Ryan fort solo. Her co-host, Ryan Seacrest, rejoined her back on set for today’s show.

ICYMI: The 50-year-old star has been hosting the popular morning show alone for two days. After viewers had many questions, Ripa addressed the audience yesterday to explain why. Turns out, Seacrest must not have been feeling up to par (word on the street is he was suffering from a cough) and since production is following strict social distancing protocol, he wasn’t able to return until he could produce a negative COVID-19 test result.

In the clip, Ripa revealed the reason behind Seacrest’s absence on Live. “We follow all these restrictions now, so this is one,” she said. “We have to wait until it comes back negative before he can get in here.”

However, on Tuesday afternoon, producers gave fans an update on his status on Instagram, writing, “UPDATE: Great news..test came back and he’s negative! Ryan will be back tomorrow!”

Sure enough, he was back in action today and looked healthy as ever (and rather dashing in his deep blue suit). The official Live account shared a behind-the-scenes clip of the hosting duo making their way to the stage to begin the show.

Ripa and Seacrest returned to the studio back in September after a long (not to mention highly amusing) virtual hiatus. Since then, they’ve had to strictly abide by COVID-safety guidelines, including social distancing, frequent coronavirus testing and, of course, wearing the proper PPE when necessary.

Good to have you back, Ryan!