A Special Guest Joined Ryan Seacrest on Today's 'Live with Kelly and Ryan'

Loyal fans of Live with Kelly and Ryan were in for a special treat today—complete with a festive Mardi Gras celebration.

In case you missed it, Ryan Seacrest was joined by comedic genius and actress Ali Wentworth, who took the place of Kelly Ripa to serve as co-host. In a video clip that was shared to the show's official Instagram account, both Wentworth and Seacrest made their grand entrance with Mardi Gras masks and colorful necklaces. And as they showcased their dance moves, a giant poster could be seen behind them that read, "Greetings from New Orleans."

Seacrest rocked a dapper black suit with white sneakers, while Wentworth wore an eye-catching fuchsia blouse with patterned green pants and sandal heels. In the comments, fans gushed over Wentworth, who most recently appeared on the show in February. One follower wrote, "Allie Wentworth, you are a delight." Another said, "Love it when Ali wentworth is there hosting!!!"

The colorful new theme comes as no surprise, given how vocal the pair has been about their love of New Orleans. Wentworth admitted, "I've never been to Mardi Gras but I've thrown my own version of it." Meanwhile, Seacrest, who also admitted that he'd never gone to the festival, confessed that he loves to eat there. "I don't need the parade," he said. "But I love to travel for food."

As for why Seacrest's partner in crime, Ripa, was absent, the co-host announced on IG that she unfortunately tested positive for Covid-19. She wrote, "Thankfully I am fully vaccinated and boosted."