Seacrest out! Ryan Seacrest filmed his last show as full-time co-host of “Live With Kelly and Ryan” on Friday after announcing his exit from the morning show this February. And during his farewell episode, both he and Kelly Ripa got emotional.
“I want you all to know it’s not lost on me how fortunate I am,” Seacrest told the audience. “Fortunate to have held this seat next to you, Kel, for six years. You’re incomparable. There’s no one like you. Fortunate to have this job where I get to talk and laugh and screw things up. … Fortunate to connect with viewers from across America and Canada as well.”
The 48-year-old, who also hosts “American Idol” and the radio shows “American Top 40″ and “On Air With Ryan Seacrest,” observed that he has spent his entire career talking.
“I mean, words are my bread and butter. It’s my wheelhouse,” he said. “But today, it’s hard to put into words how deeply I’ve appreciated being here and being with you, being invited into your homes every day to try and deliver a smile or a laugh or two.”
During her speech, a choked-up Ripa honored her longtime co-host and longer-time friend.
“This has, without question, been the fastest six years of my life,” she told Seacrest. “Although you and I have been friends for decades and decades, I feel like I have gained through this process a younger brother slash oldest son. That’s how I feel about you. It’s the weirdest feeling. … And I am so grateful that our success together on this show has led to us developing an even closer yet also codependent relationship.”
Starting Monday, the show will be rebranded as “Live with Kelly and Mark” as Mark Consuelos, Ripa’s husband and former “All My Children” co-star, takes over as co-host.
At the end of Friday’s show, as Seacrest’s colleagues toasted him with champagne, the departing host ceremoniously handed Consuelos his “Live” coffee mug.