Ryan Seacrest’s departure fromLive with Kelly and Ryanis certainly a shock for fans, but the team behind the popular morning show was well-prepared for this day to come.
As Seacrest revealedhis plans to leave the serieson Thursday after six seasons, he and co-hostKelly Ripaexplained that they’ve “been talking about for a long time.”
“It was a tough, tough decision,” said Seacrest, 48. “Last year, we spoke and I made the decision to make this my last season as co-host with Kel, here, onLive with Kelly and Ryan, which is bittersweet.”
Seacrest and Ripa said he initially committed to co-hosting the series for three years.
“He was supposed to be here for three years. We were like, ‘Oh don’t be ridiculous — you already moved your sofa here!'” Ripa, 52, explained as Seacrest responded, “But three turned into six because of the genuine fun of being on this television show every hour of every day.”
The radio personality then explained that onceAmerican Idolreturns this spring, he will “head out to the West Coast and host that show.” But he promised to return to “guest host and fill in” on occasion.
ABC/Jeff Neira
“I have to say to you as a dear friend coming in and as a best friend in this moment, to have your kindness, your thoughtfulness, your levity, your friendship — I look up to you, I respect you so much,” he told Ripa. “I love the fact that we get the chance to sit here every day and connect with you at home in your kitchens, your living rooms, at work. There’s nothing like this on television.”
Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest.ABC Entertainment
Seacrest previously joinedLivein 2017 afterMichael Strahan’s departure from the series. Strahan, 51, has been withGood Morning Americaever since.
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Live with Kelly and Ryanairs weekdays (check local listings).
source: people.com
