Ryan Seacrest Leaving 'Live With Kelly and Ryan' After 6 Seasons: 'It's Been a Memorable Adventure'

Image source: ABC

Ryan Seacrest's time on "Live With Kelly and Ryan" is coming to an end. The daytime TV host revealed the news during the February 16 episode of the long-running show, announcing he was retiring from the syndicated ABC series after six seasons. "Soooo Kelly and I have some news here," he began, adding that the "difficult and difficult decision" is something he and Kelly Ripa have "talked about for a long time." "Last year we talked and I made the decision to make this my last season as a co-host with Kell here on 'Live With Kelly and Ryan.'"

A supportive Ripa, who has co-hosted her show since 2001, defended Seacrest's move, calling him a "jewel" and "one of my best friends." “The biggest part of this experience is that you have gone from being a friend to being a family member,” she added. "You are family to us."

Replaces Seacrest on "Live With Kelly and Ryan" with her co-host's husband, Mark Consuelos, for a renamed show to be called "Live With Kelly and Mark".

[embedded content] Why is Ryan Seacrest leaving "Live With Kelly and Ryan"?

Seacrest hasn't revealed his exact reasoning for leaving "Live With Kelly and Ryan" now, but he has further addressed his exit from the show in a statement provided to POPSUGAR that reads, "Working alongside of Kelly over the past six years has been a dream job and one of the highlights of my career. She has been an incredible partner, friend and confidante, and while we will always be a part of the life of the 'other, I will miss our mornings together."

The TV host went on to thank executive producer Michael Gelman and the entire 'Live With Kelly and Ryan' cast and crew, adding, "We made memories that will last a lifetime, met some of the most amazing people and had the warmest welcome into the homes of so many viewers across America. It was a memorable ride and now I'm thrilled to pass the baton to Kelly's "real" husband, Mark ."

Of Seacrest's departure, Ripa said in a statement, "I am so grateful to have spent the past six years alongside my dear friend for too many decades to count and beginning my days with Ryan will be missed. .The energy, passion and love of entertainment is one of a kind." Meanwhile, Gelman added: "Goodbyes are never easy, but we look forward to welcoming Ryan on a regular basis with open arms. As a fan-favorite guest for years, Mark is no stranger to the family. 'Live'. Having him join the show is so special to us and we're sure viewers will feel the same."

What will Ryan Seacrest do after "Live With Kelly and Ryan"?

Seacrest isn't straying too far from the ABC Family, as he's returning to the West Coast to continue hosting 'American Idol' for Season 21. He'll also continue to host 'Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve With Ryan Seacrest." Although he's officially releasing "Live With Kelly and Ryan" in the spring, he'll still be back as a guest host in the future.

Seacrest is the latest TV host to quit his job...