Mark Consuelos Takes Over 'Live With Kelly and Ryan' as Ryan Seacrest Steps Down

Ryan, 48, will stay on the show until Spring 2023. His replacement? It's a face that everyone knows and loves. It's also 52-year-old Kelly's husband, Mark Consuelos.

The CW actor, who has been married to Kelly since 1996, is set to fill Ryan's shoes, and fans can speak of nothing else.

Host and producer Ryan has given no reason for his departure, however, he has made a statement. "I made the decision to make this my last season on Live with Kelly and Ryan. Which is bittersweet," he said.

Sources reporting to The Daily Mail are claiming that Ryan struggled to reach his decision.

"This decision was difficult to make, but he never planned on doing this for 6 seasons… he’s ready to explore other opportunities," the media outlet reports.

Ryan joined the show back in 2017 for what was initially due to be three years. He stayed twice the time, though. Bubbly blonde Kelly, meanwhile, has hosted since 2001.

Kelly is known for her close relationship with Ryan. "I like to work with my friends. Ryan [Seacrest] and I work really well together because we have had a 20-plus-year friendship. We trust one another and admire each other," she has stated, per Hello.

Fans might go wild for Kelly's humor and those killer pencil skirts, but Ryan has his army of fans, too. Social media quickly blew up after he confirmed his upcoming exit.

Per Hello, Ryan opened up in 2020 to gush over both the show and Kelly.

"We do a television show, but it's not just a television show. We come in and we literally have our first cup of coffee together and catch up with each other as friends do, and that's the dynamic we hope we have with people who are watching as well," he shared.

Ryan has opened up on how he ended up doing more than the planned three years on Live! He has said that he "loved the job" and being Kelly's cohost so much, that he chose to prolong his contract.

Ryan has many strings to his bow and, for many years, served as an executive producer on Keeping Up With The Kardashians. The reality series ended in 2021.

Ryan is followed by over 6 million on Instagram. A recent share showed him promoting Idol, but he has also marked his exit on the platform.

Ryan's IG is a major celeb hotspot and is followed by stars including actress Bella Thorne, fashion mogul Jessica Simpson, and Hulu star Kris Jenner.

Of course, Ryan has close ties to Riverdale star Mark, who also follows Ryan. The actor and his wife Kelly share three children.

Mark has spoken out about joining the show as Ryan prepares to leave.

"I know I have some big shoes to fill … well actually they’re only a size 9, but you know what I mean," he stated.

The dad of three also made sure to gush over Kelly. See what he had to say!

Mark added: "@kellyripa my ride or die. This is going to be amazing! I can’t believe after all these years of listening to you talk for free, I found a way to get paid for it. Is this a great country or what?”

Fans are keen to see Mark join, and Kelly is likely glad!

Meanwhile, Ryan has said that his time on the hit series has been a "memorable ride."

Kelly and Mark are a true power couple, also loved for their long-lasting marriage and online flirting!