Big changes at 'Live with Kelly': Ryan Seacrest to be replaced by Ripa's husband Mark Consuelos
"Live" is turning into quite the family affair.
After six seasons chatting it up with co-host Kelly Ripa, multi-hyphenate Ryan Seacrest is leaving "Live with Kelly and Ryan." But don't worry, Ripa, who has co-hosted the daytime talk show since 2001, will soon be joined by someone she knows very well: her husband, actor Mark Consuelos.
Seacrest delivered the news of his departure on Thursday's episode of "Live," which is soon to be rebranded as "Live with Kelly and Mark" when "American Idol" begins its live shows in April.
Seacrest plans to move back to the West Coast ("Live" airs live from New York City) and continue his duties hosting “Idol” and “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest.” He said on Thursday's episode that he will return occasionally to guest host.
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"It was a tough, tough decision," Seacrest said on Thursday's show. " I love the fact that we get a chance to sit here every day and connect with you in your kitchens and your living rooms, at work. There's nothing like this on television – I'm getting emotional, I promised Kelly I would not cry – and this show comes together because of an incredible family of people."
"I'm so proud of you, and cheer you on endlessly," Ripa said to Seacrest. "I know how much of a sacrifice it's been, I know how exhausting it is, going back and forth (from New York to L.A.)."
Originally launched in 1983 with the title "The Morning Show," the daytime series has gone through many iterations over its 40-year tenure on syndicated TV, including "Live with Regis and Katie Lee" from 1988-2000, with Regis Philbin and Kathie Lee Gifford. After Gifford's exit, Ripa joined in 2001 and the title changed to "Live with Regis and Kelly." After Philbin left in 2011, a long search was conducted and Ripa was eventually joined by former NFL player Michael Strahan, although he exited in 2016 to join "Good Morning America," stirring some controversy. He was replaced by Seacrest, who originally signed on for three years but has stayed for six.
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In addition to knowing the boss pretty well, Consuelos has previously stepped in to co-host in Seacrest's absence. He and Ripa have been married since 1996. She recently told USA TODAY that she felt compromise was the secret to their marriage's longevity.
"We compromise all the time. We always are saying that when we negotiate with each other, we are only mildly disappointed in the end result and that is a success," Ripa said. "And then the obstinance is we are too stubborn to ever quit on each other. We're lifers. His parents have been married 60 years, my parents have been married 61 years. That's all we know. We only know how to compromise and be together."
Contributing: Patrick Ryan
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ryan Seacrest leaving 'Live': Kelly Ripa's husband to join the show