Mark Consuelos to Begin Co-Hosting Opposite Wife Kelly Ripa on April 17

Mark Consuelos will be going live in a little more than a month…

The 51-year-old Mexican-Spanish actor will replace Ryan Seacrest as the co-host of the syndicated daytime show Live with Kelly and Ryan.

Mark ConsuelosOn the Oscars red carpet with Vanessa Hudgens, Consuelos, who was joined by Seacrest and wife Kelly Ripa, revealed that he’s officially beginning his gig as co-host on April 17.

“I couldn’t be more honored or excited,” he said.

It was announced last month that after a six-year run, Seacrest would be stepping down from his co-hosting slot.

“It’s bittersweet,” he shared on the Oscars red carpet. “We have such a great relationship and friendship and working relationship. Mark is going to take over and he and I have the same kind of relationship. It’s going to be an exciting last few weeks.”

Ripa added with a smile, “Nothing will really change between the three of us. It’s just that Ryan will get to have his coffee later.”

In a statement announcing his departure last month, Seacrest — who will keep hosting American IdolDick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest, his syndicated On Air with Ryan Seacrest daily radio show and the American Top 40 countdown — said working with Ripa has been a “dream job” and one of the highlights of his career.

“She has been an amazing partner, friend, and confidant, and although we will always be a part of each other’s lives, I will miss our mornings together,” he said, also thanking the show’s executive producer Michael Gelman and the crew. “We’ve made memories to last a lifetime, met some of the most incredible people and had the warmest welcome into the homes of so many viewers across America. It’s been a memorable ride and now I’m excited to pass the baton to Kelly’s ‘real’ husband, Mark.”

Mark Consuelos to Replace Ryan Seacrest as Co-Host on “Live with Kelly and Ryan”

Mark Consuelos will be spending a lot more time with wife Kelly Ripa.

The 51-year-old Mexican-Spanish actor will replace Ryan Seacrest as the co-host of the syndicated daytime show Live with Kelly and Ryan.

Mark ConsuelosAfter six seasons, Seacrest announced on Thursday’s episode that he would be departing.

Ripa, who has hosted the show since 2001, will be joined by her actor husband, Consuelos, and the show will be rebranded as Live with Kelly and Mark.

Seacrest plans to head back to the west coast where he’ll remain part of the ABC Entertainment family, continuing to host American Idol and Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest. Seacrest will transition this spring as he prepares for American Idol live shows in Los Angeles.

Seacrest said on today’s episode that he’ll occasionally fill in as a guest host on Live with Kelly and Mark, but didn’t say how often.

“Working alongside Kelly over the past six years has been a dream job and one of the highlights of my career. She has been an amazing partner, friend, and confidant, and although we will always be a part of each other’s lives, I will miss our mornings together,” said Seacrest. “I also want to thank Michael Gelman and the entire staff and crew – we’ve made memories to last a lifetime, met some of the most incredible people and had the warmest welcome into the homes of so many viewers across America. It’s been a memorable ride and now I’m excited to pass the baton to Kelly’s ‘real’ husband, Mark.”

“I’m so grateful to have spent the last six years beside my dear friend of too many decades to count and will miss starting my days with Ryan,” said Ripa. “Ryan’s energy, passion and love for entertainment is one-of-a-kind.”

“Goodbyes are never easy, but we look forward to welcoming Ryan back regularly with open arms. As a fan-favorite guest host for years, Mark is no stranger to the ‘Live’ family. Having him join the show is so special for us and we’re sure that viewers will feel the same,” said Michael Gelman, executive producer of Live with Kelly and Ryan.

Seacrest had initially signed on to host the show for three years and ended up staying on for six.

This season, “Live with Kelly and Ryan” is the No. 1 daytime talk show ― network or syndicated ― in Households, Total Viewers and Women 25-54. “Live” has ranked as the top daytime talk show for 56 straight weeks among Women 25-54.

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