Ryan Seacrest is leaving Live with Kelly and Ryan.
The media personality made the “bittersweet” announcement Thursday morning during the East Coast broadcast of the morning talk show.
“I’ve decided to make this my last season as co-host,” he said, adding that he would be stepping away from the show to concentrate on American Idol and other projects.
Seacrest first joined the morning talk show in 2017 as a replacement for Michael Strahan. His initial plans were to stay for three years, but he enjoyed co-hosting so much that he stayed for an additional three years.
But it wasn’t always easy as his primary residence was in Los Angeles, the show filmed in New York, and he continued to host American Idol which films in Los Angeles.
“Working alongside Kelly over the past six years has been a dream job and one of the highlights of my career,” Seacrest said in a statement, according to People. “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.”
“You’ve gone from being a friend to a family member. You are family to us,” Kelly Ripa said. “I’m so proud of you and I cheer you on endlessly.”
And speaking of family, Seacrest’s replacement will be a familiar face: Mark Consuelos, Ripa’s husband.
Consuelos has co-hosted over the years, but once Seacrest leaves he will have a permanent spot on the show next to his wife.
“It’s been a memorable ride and now I’m excited to pass the baton to Kelly’s ‘real’ husband, Mark,” Seacrest said.
The show will also be rebranded to Live with Kelly and Mark.
We’ll miss you Ryan, but wish you luck in your future! We can’t wait to welcome Mark as a permanent co-host on the show.
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