ADVERTISEMENT

Kelly Ripa just announced Ryan Seacrest as her new cohost on 'Live'

Nearly a year after the exit of former cohost Michael Strahan, Kelly Ripa told the world former "American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest will join her on "Live."

Kelly Ripa has finally announced her new cohost on "Live," nearly a year after the departure of former cohost Michael Strahan. In an unsurprising move, Ryan Seacrest is taking the spot next to Ripa.

ADVERTISEMENT

Seacrest joined her on the daytime talk show Monday morning.

posted a video to Twitter on Sunday afternoon showing her sipping from a "Live with Kelly" mug that also included a question mark. She said in the video, "Tune in tomorrow. Trust me." Before making the announcement, Ripa opened Monday's show on an optimistic note.

"Today, the next chapter of the 'Live' story is about to be written," she said. "Today, my new cohost will officially be joining me on 'Live.' And today is a very good day."

ADVERTISEMENT

Ahead of bringing Seacrest out, Ripa thanked her many guest cohosts over the last year, which have included

"I would first like to thank all of the men and women who sat next to me cohosting with me this past year," Ripa said. "Thanks is not a big enough word, but they took time out of their busy schedules and took time away from their day jobs to hang out with me in the morning. And part of what makes today so special is by helping out we all became family."

After Seacrest joined Ripa at the "Live" desk, she announced that it was also her 21st wedding anniversary to actor Mark Consuelos.

To which Seacrest responded, "Well, I've made it through, what, seven minutes on my first anniversary being with you. This is a full commitment. I'm excited about it."

Seacrest has guest cohosted "Live" five times since Strahan left. He is known for hosting "American Idol" for 15 seasons, as well as his work as the host and executive producer of E!’s "Live from the Red Carpet" and "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve."

ADVERTISEMENT

Seacrest has moved from Los Angeles to New York City for the "Live" job and will continue hosting and executive producing his syndicated morning radio show, "On Air with Ryan Seacrest," and his Top 40 radio show.

At the same time, Seacrest had been contributing to NBC's "Today" since 2012. He was also reportedly a top candidate for roles on the morning show that ultimately went to Carson Daly and Billy Bush. As the cohost of "Live," he will now compete with the the third hour of "Today." Ripa's several mentions of "Today" in her lead-up to the Seacrest announcement may have been a thinly veiled reference to the competition and the rival show's history of passing over Seacrest.

News of Strahan's exit from "Live" for "Good Morning America" last May led Ripa of the way the situation was handled.

Watch Seacrest join "Live" as its new cohost below:

FOLLOW BUSINESS INSIDER AFRICA

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Recommended articles

Kenyan women are more obese than their men - here’s why

Kenyan women are more obese than their men - here’s why

Africa’s richest man Dangote stands between Europe and $17 billion in revenue

Africa’s richest man Dangote stands between Europe and $17 billion in revenue

After months of exchanging blows, Kenya and Uganda takes steps towards resolution

After months of exchanging blows, Kenya and Uganda takes steps towards resolution

Africa's first black billionaire could join $2.9 billion Vivendi bid for MultiChoice

Africa's first black billionaire could join $2.9 billion Vivendi bid for MultiChoice

10 most dangerous African countries in 2024

10 most dangerous African countries in 2024

Russia’s nuclear influence expands further north of Africa

Russia’s nuclear influence expands further north of Africa

Navigating the future: How AI transforms selling on Amazon

Navigating the future: How AI transforms selling on Amazon

Wall decor tips: Transforming your space with style and creativity

Wall decor tips: Transforming your space with style and creativity

Putin's African diplomacy: Security talks with West, Central Africa take centre stage

Putin's African diplomacy: Security talks with West, Central Africa take centre stage

ADVERTISEMENT