Ryan Seacrest Speaks On Decision To Leave ‘Live With Kelly & Ryan’: Working Alongside Kelly Over The Past Six Years Has Been A Dream Job

Ryan Seacrest, Kelly Ripa

Ryan Seacrest Speaks On Decision To Leave ‘Live With Kelly & Ryan’: Working Alongside Kelly Over The Past Six Years Has Been A Dream Job

It looks like a major shake-up is happening on ‘Live With Kelly and Ryan.’

On Thursday (Feb. 16), Ryan Seacrest announced that he is leaving the show after six seasons!

According to reports, Ryan Seacrest plans to head back to L.A. where he will continue to host American Idol and Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest.

As for Seacrest’s replacement, Kelly Ripa’s husband Mark Consuelos will be taking his place.

Seacrest had this to say about his departure.

“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.”

Kelly Ripa, Ryan Seacrest

He continued,

“I also want to thank Michael Gelman and the entire staff 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 her co-star and shared he will be missed.

“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. Ryan’s energy, passion and love for entertainment is one-of-a-kind.”

While sad about Ryan’s departure, Michael Gelman, executive producer of Live With Kelly and Ryan, seemed optimistic about the future of the show.

“Goodbyes are never easy, but we look forward to welcoming Ryan back regularly with open arms. As a fan-favorite guest host for years, Mark is no stranger to the Live family. Having him join the show is so special for us and we’re sure that viewers will feel the same.”

Ryan Seacrest and Kelly Ripa

Ryan Seacrest also took to Instagram to share his future plans, and pay tribute to Kelly Ripa.

“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. “

Although he will miss his co-star, Seacrest noted he has plans on coming back as a guest host.

“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!”

What are your thoughts on Ryan Seacrest’s departure? Let us know in the comments below!

[VIA]