Ryan Seacrest leaving ‘Live,’ replacement already named

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Ryan Seacrest is exiting “Live with Kelly and Ryan” — and the show didn’t have to look far for his replacement.

Mark Consuelos, who is married to co-host Kelly Ripa, will take over Seacrest’s role on a permanent basis.

Seacrest said he will leave sometime in the spring of 2023, likely when his “American Idol” hosting duties take over. These duties frequently required him to be out of town despite “Live” being a daily show, a schedule that would often cause tension between staffers, according to sources.

The show will be renamed “Live with Kelly and Mark.”

“Live” is produced and syndicated nationally by Disney’s television division and runs on ABC-owned stations in major markets.

Over the years, the show has had a rotating cast of co-hosts, including Kathie Lee Gifford, Regis Philbin, Michael Strahan as well as the most recent pairing of Ripa and Seacrest. Consuelos has filled in in the past, similar to. how Philbin’s wife Joy Philbin would sometimes sit in.

Seacrest was chosen as Strahan’s replacement in 2016. Strahan’s departure caused high-profile tension on-air after Ripa learned of his new role at “Good Morning America.” She reportedly was not informed of the change until the last minute and did not appear on-air for several days after the announcement.