Ryan Seacrest has announced his exit from Live With Kelly and Ryan. Mark Consuelos will join his wife as the new co-host.
Mark Consuelos Is A Permanent Fixture On Live TV
Ryan Seacrest took to social media to announce that life at Live With Kelly and Ryan is different. He shared t sad news on the live show this morning saying: “Working alongside Kelly over the past six years has been a dream job and one of the highlights of my career.”
The heartfelt exit announcement continued where he praised Kelly for being a class act and welcoming him in from day 1. 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.”
Six years is a long time and Ryan isn’t taking that lightly, he thanked the cast 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. It’s been a memorable ride and now I’m excited to pass the baton to Kelly’s ‘real’ husband, Mark.”
Kelly Ripa Praised Ryan Seacrest
The show is currently the number one daytime show and shows no signs of slowing down. So while Ryan is leaving Kelly’s real husband Mark will step in and we already know their chemistry is off the charts.
Kelly echoed Ryan’s sentiments with her own simple statement. “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,” Ripa said. “Ryan’s energy, passion and love for entertainment is one-of-a-kind.”
The mom of two also took to social media to say her goodbyes to Ryan in an epically funny “empty nester” post. Kelly shared a favorite memory of herself, Ryan, and Mark during a Halloween episode.
“OK NOW we’re empty nesters. When your friends become work mates become family. ♥️ Congratulations @ryanseacrest on surviving six winters in NYC! I’m proud of you and am forever in your corner. And @instasuelos welcome home, or to the contractual obligation phase of our relationship.”
Ryan Seacrest Got Emotional On Social Media
Ryan also wrote a lengthy message announcing his exit on social media. He shared several photos of his time over the years on the morning show.
“I’m going to miss my work wife and all the laughter we share. When I signed on to host Live in 2017 it was meant to be for 3 years, but I loved the job and working with Kelly so much that I extended my time, and last year I made the decision to stay on for one more final season.”
He continued on to explain why the exit is crucial now. “I’ll be transitioning out of Live this Spring to shoot the 21st season of American Idol in LA, continue my radio show on KIIS-FM and Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin Eve, and focus my summer on opening three more Ryan Seacrest Foundation Studios in pediatric hospitals across the country.”
Ryan warns Mark that he isn’t gone forever and will be back here and there. “I’m looking forward to coming back to guest host in the future and Kelly, I promise to forever share my food photos, chicken eggs, and olive oil with you. And congratulations to my brother Mark, feel free to remodel my dressing room!”
