After six years hosting with Kelly Ripa by his side, Ryan Seacrest is officially leaving Live! With Kelly and Ryan. The star joined the show back in 2017, following in the footsteps of Michael Strahan and before him Regis Philbin.
He announced the news at the top of Thursday's episode, telling fans and Kelly: "I will always be forever grateful," after which Kelly insisted: "You are family here, we love you, we are so proud of you."
Kelly's husband, Mark Consuelos, who hosted the show on Tuesday with her, will be joining her side on-air permanently. Kelly confirmed the news later in the segment.
WATCH: Ryan Seacrest announces he is leaving Live!
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Ryan and Kelly walked out with linked arms ahead of the announcement, waiting a few minutes before revealing the news.
Fifteen minutes into the episode, as the two were hosting their daily trivia game, Ryan began: "So, Kelly and I have some news here," adding: "This is something she and I have been talking about for a long time, and it was a tough, tough decision."
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"Last year, we spoke, and I made the decision to make this my last season as co-host with Kel, here on Live! With Kelly and Ryan, which is bittersweet."
Kelly welcomed her husband to the "contractual obligation phase of our relationship"
Kelly appeared nothing but supportive, telling him: "I get it, you are a gem, you are one of my best friends, and I said, the greatest part of this entire experience has been [that] you've gone from being a friend to a family member, you are family to us."
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Ryan added: "It has been remarkable to be in this chair," then detailing his future plans, explaining: "One American Idol starts live from Los Angeles later this spring, I'll head out to the West Coast and host that show."
© Photo: Getty ImagesRyan was initially only planning to host for three years, eventually doubling his time as host
However, he said fans are not to fret, adding: "You're not getting rid of me because I'm coming back to guest host, to fill in, right here in this chair.
He then praised Kelly for being such a great hosting partner, and friend, telling her: "To have your kindness, your thoughtfulness, your levity, your friendship… I look up to you, I respect you so much, I love the fact that we get to sit here every day," before candidly adding: "I'm getting emotional, I promised Kelly I will not cry."
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