Ryan Seacrest to Leave “Live with Kelly and Ryan” as Kelly Ripa’s Husband, Mark Consuelos, Takes Over Hosting Role

Ryan Seacrest announced Thursday that he will be leaving the highly rated talk show “Live with Kelly and Ryan” and will be replaced by co-host Kelly Ripa’s husband, Mark Consuelos. Seacrest said that he had originally signed on to host the show for three years, but extended his time and last year he decided to stay on for one more final season.

“Working alongside Kelly over the past six years has been a dream job and one of the highlights of my career,” Seacrest said. “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.”

Seacrest will be transitioning out of the role in the spring as he goes to shoot for the 21st season of “American Idol” in Los Angeles. The show will be renamed “Live with Kelly and Mark.”

Ripa and Consuelos have been married since 1996 and have three children together. Ripa recently released a book about marriage, motherhood and her relationship with Regis Philbin.

Seacrest said he is grateful for the time he spent with Ripa and thanked her for the laughter they shared. “I’m so grateful to have spent the last six years beside my dear friend of too many years to count,” he said.