Ryan Seacrest quits huge US talk show role after six seasons
Ryan Seacrest has announced he is stepping down from Live with Kelly and Ryan after six years on the show.
"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 said during Thursday morning's episode.
He also announced that Mark Consuelos will be taking over his hosting duties. "I also want to thank [executive producer] Michael Gelman and the entire staff and crew," he said.
Ryan has quit the show after six years (FOX via Getty Images)
He announced his replacement on TV (Getty Images)Ryan added: "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."
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"It’s been a memorable ride and now I’m excited to pass the baton to Kelly’s ‘real’ husband, Mark," Ryan finished.
Kelly Ripa has hosted the show since 2001, first joining the series alongside the late Regis Philbin, before welcoming Michael Strahan in 2012.
In a statement, Kelly said: "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.
Kelly Ripa has hosted the show since 2001 (NBCUniversal via Getty Images)"Ryan’s energy, passion and love for entertainment is one-of-a-kind."
Ryan will remain host of other ABC Entertainment shows, including American Idol and Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest.
Producer Michael said: "Goodbyes are never easy, but we look forward to welcoming Ryan back regularly with open arms."
He added: "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 has spent six years on the show (ABC via Getty Images)Kelly actually hinted at a potential switch-up on the hit-morning TV show, previously telling Extra: "I do believe in shepherding in somebody new."
She added at the time: "I would like to—in the not-too-distant future—see that somebody gets to ingratiate themselves into our audiences' life."
Speaking on her own potential future exit, she admitted: "It’s like a long-term discussion, when everybody thinks the time is right, and it would be a universal decision — then that’s the time."
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