Ryan Seacrest Exits ‘Live With Kelly And Ryan’ After Nearly 6 Years

Kelly Ripa has hosted ‘Live’ since 2001 initially with Regis Philbin and then with Michael Strahan with intervals of solo hosting and collaboration with a rotating stable of guest hosts in between. Seacrest joined her as a co-host in 2016 initially for a three-year contract but ultimately stayed for six years. Seacrest who hosts ABC’s ‘Dick Clark’s’ New Year’s Eve special every year will leave ‘Live With Kelly and Ryan’ this spring to prepare for the live shows of ABC’s ‘American Idol’ in Los Angeles.

According to Us Weekly, Seacrest said in a statement that “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.” Ryan then went on to thank “Michael Gelman and the entire staff and crew” and said that they have “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 [Consuelos].”

On Thursday, February 16, Seacrest addressed the decision on his morning show. Ripa joined the Live family in 2001 succeeding Kathie Lee Gifford and worked with the late Regis Philbin for ten years till his final show in November 2011.

“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 in a statement on Thursday. “Ryan’s energy, passion and love for entertainment is one-of-a-kind.” While still recording the syndicated talk show, Seacrest continued to host American Idol and produced On Air with Ryan Seacrest for KIIS-FM.

Keeping up with his hectic schedule proved difficult in late 2021 when he was noticeably absent from Live. Fans became concerned that the Emmy winner was exhausted, and they weren’t the only ones. “His team was so concerned they staged an intervention,” a source exclusively told the outlet in October 2021, adding that Seacrest was “in bad [shape].”

Consuelos replaced Seacrest at the time. The Keeping Up With the Kardashians producer previously alarmed viewers in May 2021 when he appeared to slur his words on an episode of American Idol. Before departing the morning show, Seacrest stated that he will no longer be presenting Elive !’s awards show coverage. Keep an eye on Thirsty for the most latest updates.

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