'This is going to be the most fun that I've ever had,' Ryan said, before having a Champagne toast with Kelly to celebrate their very first day hosting the show together.
- May 2, 2017
AceShowbiz - In Monday, May 1 episode of "Live", Kelly Ripa finally announced Ryan Seacrest as her new permanent co-host on the A.M. show. Ryan moved into the seat next to Kelly, taking over Michael Strahan's co-hosting gig after the latter exited last year for "Good Morning America".
"Ryan is a quintessential broadcaster and at the top of his game," Kelly said in a statement. "I am thrilled to start my mornings with him every day, and we are so fortunate at 'Live' to have him join the family," she added. "Ryan is a close friend and his star shines as brightly off camera as it does on. His tremendous success is only matched by his impeccable reputation. Plainly said, everyone loves him, and so will our daily viewers."
Today's the day! @RyanSeacrest is Kelly's new co-host! #LiveKellyCohost #KellyandRyan #RyanSeacrest pic.twitter.com/MranogG7nO
— LIVE with Kelly (@LiveKelly) May 1, 2017
Ryan, meanwhile, took to Twitter to express his excitement for being tapped as the new partner for Kelly, who has been doing the show since 2001. "So excited to join this show!! @KellyRipa crushes every morning... one of my favorite people ever #livekellyryan," the radio personality wrote.
So excited to join this show!! @KellyRipa crushes every morning... one of my favorite people ever #livekellyryan
— Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) May 1, 2017
In the episode, Ryan revealed that prior to this, he was struggling to keep the fact that he was the new co-host on "Live" in secret, as Kelly immediately agreed and dubbed themselves "burble people." The new co-host continued, "Speaking of secrecy, we have a video of me coming in early this morning." Later, footage was shown in which the host of "American Idol" was hilariously trying to hide himself by completely lying down at the backseat of his car.
Toward the end of the episode, the two shared a sweet Champagne toast to celebrate their first day together. Kelly once again expressed her gratitude towards Ryan for taking on the job amid his already jam-packed schedule. "This is going to be the most fun that I've ever had," said Ryan. "Welcome to the family," responded Kelly, before praising her new partner for being able to "fit right in."
The busy Ryan will move from Los Angeles to New York for "Live", while continuing his hosting gigs on Syndicated daily drive-time radio show for L.A.'s KIIS-FM and the weekly "American Top 40" radio program. It has been reported that a radio studio will be built at WABC-TV New York, where "Live" hails from, for Ryan. Ryan's other stints are E!'s "Live From the Red Carpet" franchise, where he serves as host and executive producer, and annual hosting gig on ABC's "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve."
