Ryan Seacrest Bids Farewell to ‘Live with Kelly and Ryan’ Staff With Heartfelt Dinner
Ryan Seacrest via Instagram Reading Time: 2 minutes
Ryan Seacrest is bidding farewell to the show that he’s called home for nearly six years. The media personality hosted a farewell dinner for the staff of Live with Kelly and Ryan just days before his exit from the series. The dinner was an opportunity for Seacrest to express his gratitude to the team that has supported him throughout his tenure on the show.
Ryan Seacrest Hosted a Heartfelt Dinner
During his speech at the dinner, Seacrest spoke fondly of his time on Live and what he’ll miss most about the show. He joked about sharing a bathroom with everyone and how he’ll miss the annual Halloween show, even though he admitted that was a lie.
Seacrest went on to thank individual staffers, including executive producer Michael Gellman, who he considers a dear friend. He also congratulated his successor, Mark Consuelos, who will be taking over his co-hosting duties alongside Ripa. Seacrest and Consuelos have a close relationship, and Seacrest expressed his excitement at the prospect of watching Consuelos take over the show.
Although Seacrest has been conflicted about leaving Live, a source revealed that he felt it was the right decision. With other opportunities on the horizon, including American Idol‘s upcoming season filming in Los Angeles, Seacrest felt it was time to move on.
Choosing Consuelos as his replacement was an easy decision, according to the source. The network and Ripa wanted to ensure a smooth transition and avoid any potential issues with a new co-host not hitting it off with Ripa. Fans have always well-received Consuelos’ and Ripa’s previous co-hosting stints.
He Reflects on His Time on ‘Live’
Seacrest bid farewell to Live with Kelly and Ryan after six years of hosting the morning show. During his farewell dinner, Seacrest expressed his gratitude to the show’s staff and to his co-host, Ripa, calling the experience “magical.”
Seacrest went on to reflect on the Christmas show and praised the team who work both on and off camera. He then congratulated Ripa’s husband, Consuelos, who is taking over as co-host full-time.
Seacrest revealed in February that he would be leaving Live with plans to move back to the West Coast ahead of American Idol‘s live shows in Los Angeles. While he honored his bond with Ripa in a statement, he expressed excitement for his friend and colleague Consuelos.
As Live with Kelly and Mark begins its new era, fans of the show can look forward to the continued chemistry and banter between Ripa and Consuelos, and the show’s trademark lightheartedness and energy.
It’s awesome every day thanks