Ryan Seacrest Revealed as Kelly Ripa's New Co-Host on ‘Live’

Stephen Proctor

It’s been nearly a year since Michael Strahan left Live, and ever since, Kelly Ripa has welcomed a rotating roster of guest co-hosts in search of a permanent replacement. On Monday, that search came to an end when Ryan Seacrest was named the new, full-time co-host who will work alongside Ripa.

Ryan Seacrest (Photo: Kristin Callahan/Everett Collection)
Ryan Seacrest (Photo: Kristin Callahan/Everett Collection)

Ripa opened the show by herself for the last time … for now, before teasing the big reveal and going to a commercial break. After the break, Ripa and Seacrest walked onstage together as Live with Kelly and Ryan was announced. The two had been keeping this move a closely guarded secret even from those closest to them, which caused some confusion about the new Live co-host’s life.

“It’s funny, because I sent a text to some of my close, close friends and co-workers. I said, ‘I’ve got great news,’” Seacrest explained. “Responses were this from people who know me well: ‘You’re engaged.’ No. ‘You’re having a baby.’ It’s not that. ‘You’re coming out of the closet.’”

The identity of the new host was kept secret because those at the show were intent on keeping it that way until the very last moment. Seacrest showed a video of himself arriving to work ducked down in a car’s backseat, saying that’s what he was told to do.

Now that the cat’s out of the bag, the world knows where to look each morning for its daily dose perkiness.

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