Ryan Seacrest hosts farewell dinner for ‘Live’ crew, gushes over Kelly Ripa
Ryan Seacrest is leaving with a bang — and a full belly.
The outgoing co-host held a farewell dinner for the “Live with Kelly and Ryan” crew at a three-Michelin-star restaurant Wednesday night ahead of his departure from the morning talk show.
“Welcome to this evening. It’s so nice to see our ‘Live’ family and our ‘Live’ family’s family,” Seacrest started his speech, which the show posted on its official Instagram account.
“There really is no other place in our business like the ‘Live’ show,” he continued. “I’m grateful to have been a part for six years. I wanted to get together and enjoy something that I like a lot, which is great food.”
The “American Idol” host went on to say how “grateful” he feels to have been a part of “Live,” noting that he will miss the iconic “red herrings,” sharing the bathroom “with everyone,” the Monica Mangin segments and, of course, the Halloween episode.
After personally thanking a handful of staffers, Seacrest took a moment to praise his co-host and “leader,” Kelly Ripa, along with her husband, Mark Consuelos, who will be replacing him.
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“My brother, Mark. Congratulations,” he said. “It���s wonderful to go through this process with somebody that I love so much that obviously knows [Kelly] better than I know her … ish.
“But congratulations. I can’t wait to watch or tape it — sleep in and watch, probably that — but congratulations, Mark.”
Seacrest announced his exit in February, calling Ripa “an amazing partner, friend and confidant.”
That same day, it was revealed that Consuelos, who married Ripa in 1996, would serve as his permanent replacement.
However, sources told Page Six that ABC execs had been wooing over the “Riverdale” actor, 52, as far back as last summer following concerns for Seacrest’s health.
According to insiders, Seacrest was constantly exhausted while juggling hosting the talk show, the singing competition and his syndicated radio show, “On Air with Ryan Seacrest.”
Although we heard his lack of concentration created slight “issues” between Seacrest and Ripa, the pair were able to put it all “behind them” as they look forward to their next chapters.
“They’ve known each other for 20 years, and, regardless of recent strains, it is a real friendship,” one source told us.
Seacrest’s final episode airs Friday.
