Kelly Ripa Accused of Enabling Nepotism by Letting Husband Mark Consuelos Become ‘Live’ Co-Host to Save Allegedly Failing Marriage, Seemingly Kicking Ryan Seacrest Out after 6 Glorious years
It won’t be Live with Kelly and Ryan anymore since Ryan Seacrest is leaving the highly successful daytime talk show. He had an amazing six-year run but it all came to a rather abrupt end as he announced his departure in the latest episode. And his replacement is an even bigger surprise – it’s none other than Mark Consuelos, Ripa’s husband of over 25 years. The ABC show will be rechristened Live with Kelly and Mark and fans have had quite a divided reaction to this news. While some are excited, several couldn’t help but point out that the whole thing felt a little fishy.
Ryan Seacrest is leaving Live passing on the baton to Kelly Ripa’s husband
Thursday’s episode of Live left fans in shock as Ryan Seacrest announced his impending departure to the world. He said,
“Working alongside Kelly over the past six years has been a dream job and one of the highlights of my career. She has been an amazing partner, friend, and confidant, and although we will always be a part of each other’s lives, I will miss our mornings together. I also want to thank Michael Gelman and the entire staff and crew – we’ve made memories to last a lifetime, met some of the most incredible people and had the warmest welcome into the homes of so many viewers across America. It’s been a memorable ride and now I’m excited to pass the baton to Kelly’s ‘real’ husband, Mark.”
That is quite a legacy that Mark Consuelos is now supposed to handle. His wife, Kelly Ripa, has been a host on Live since 2001 when she joined alongside Regis Philbin. She eventually went on to host with Michael Strahan for four years and then Seacrest for six. And now she’s onto her next cohost.
Kelly Ripa and Live’s executive producer bid Ryan Seacrest a hearty adieu
Seacrest, who had originally signed a 3-year contract with Live was bid adieu by the 52-year-old, who said,
“I’m so grateful to have spent the last six years beside my dear friend of too many decades to count and will miss starting my days with Ryan. Ryan’s energy, passion and love for entertainment is one-of-a-kind.”
The executive producer of the show, Michael Gelman also said,
“Goodbyes are never easy, but we look forward to welcoming Ryan back regularly with open arms. As a fan-favorite guest host for years, Mark is no stranger to the ‘Live’ family. Having him join the show is so special for us and we’re sure that viewers will feel the same.”
The 48-year-old will be hosting ABC’s American Idol live shows in Los Angeles after he quits Live this spring.
Fans don’t approve of Mark Consuelos replacing Ryan Seacrest
All the seeming love and affection apart, people can’t help but feel there’s something problematic in this switch. Twitterati reacted rather staunchly to this information, questioning Seacrest’s “decision” to leave and the Riverdale actor becoming his replacement. Some even pointed out how this is a classic example of nepotism.
Because it's Nepo-world.
— Tomerson (@Tomersontoman) February 16, 2023
A husband and wife co-hosting team…well…kinda corny but ok.
— When others go low, I go lower. (@DancingInfinit1) February 16, 2023
Too bad he is leaving. I will not be watching. I don’t like her and now with her husband. OMG…no way…..
— MotherHubber (@janet11castillo) February 16, 2023
This won’t last. Totally different vibe than what Regis worked so hard to create.
— BosMA20 (@Ma20Bos) February 16, 2023
I smell divorce soon
— Joker is from Smash Bros (@idefy7) February 16, 2023
After all, Kelly Ripa created a humongous multi-million fortune out of her career on Live and is easily one of the most popular daytime talk show hosts globally. Consuelos probably wanted a piece of that pie too, and now he has a shot at it. Not to forget rumors of marital troubles that have been revolving around their marriage lately. As per some fans, it might be a drowning effort at salvaging their relationship.
Source: Variety
