Today is a somber morning for Live with Kelly and Ryan fans because Kelly Ripa’s co-host, Ryan Seacrest, just made a bittersweet announcement about his future on the show.
This morning, Seacrest, 48, revealed he will be leaving the show after hosting for six seasons. He also shared that he plans to leave this coming spring.
According to a recent report by Deadline, the television personality is preparing to leave New York City and move back to Los Angeles, where he will continue to host American Idol as they are making arrangements to film the new season. Also, he will be the main host for the annual festive program, Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.
“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,” Seacrest said today.
So, this begs the question: Who is going to replace Seacrest? Well, it was announced that Ripa will host the show alongside her husband, Mark Consuelos, and that the show will soon be called Live with Kelly and Mark.
Seacrest went on to say that he’s happy to “pass the baton” over the Consuelos in light of his departure. “I also want to thank Michael Gelman and the entire staff and crew— we’ve made memories to last a lifetime, met some of the most incredible people and had the warmest welcome into the homes of so many viewers across America,” he added. “It’s been a memorable ride and now I’m excited to pass the baton to Kelly’s ‘real’ husband, Mark.”
Ripa (who has hosted the show since 2001) responded to the news and shared that she will miss hosting the morning show with Seacrest. “I’m so grateful to have spent the last six years beside my dear friend of too many decades to count and will miss starting my days with Ryan,” she said. “Ryan’s energy, passion and love for entertainment is one-of-a-kind.”
We will miss you, Ryan.
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