Ryan Seacrest In Trial Marriage To Save His Career

Ryan Seacrest — clobbered by sexual harassment allegations by his former stylist and bleak “American Idol” ratings — needs something to salvage his battered reputation: something like, a wedding!

The TV titan has been shacking up with gorgeous galpal Shayna Taylor in his New York City pad — and blabbing that it’s their first step to the altar! “This is all about protecting his brand,” a source tattled exclusively to The National ENQUIRER.

“Ryan is a daytime-TV personality who’s trying to bring back the nighttime franchise that made him a multimillionaire. If America starts putting its focus on him getting married, they’ll forget all this other stuff and return to ‘Idol’ in droves!”

Ryan and Shayna, a 26-year-old model, have been photographed together constantly since February when his former personal stylist, Suzie Hardy, hit him with harassment allegations.

Single-mom Suzie, at right with Pussycat Dolls founder Robin Antin, claimed that Ryan would grind up against her while clad only in his underwear, groped her and once slapped her buttock so hard it left a large welt that was still visible hours later!

Suzie claimed she endured years of abuse until 2013 when — after reporting “Live with Kelly and Ryan” co-host’s alleged behavior to human-resources execs — she was fired. Ryan refuted her charges, calling her a disgruntled ex-employee who’s trying to extort him with a $15-million lawsuit.

“Ryan really does love Shayna, but the bottom line is a trial marriage is a shrewd a business move,” an insider spilled. “Cleaning up his image could help him put more money in the bank!”