Kelly Ripa is incredibly close to her long-time Live co-star, Ryan Seacrest, who will be departing the ABC daytime show on Friday following seven years on the program.
A countdown to Ryan's last day is playing out on social media, with some hilarious unearthed clips being shared in honor of the American Idol host.
In the video below, which was shared on Instagram, Kelly is left open mouthed as her co-star took a tumble live on air, as they hosted a 2020 travel quiz.
Ryan lost his balance and fell off his chair in slow-motion, as Kelly and a producer ran over to check that he was okay.
The footage was shared alongside the caption: "We are going to miss Ryan's clumsiness!" Fans were quick to comment on the video, with one writing: "So sad he's leaving," while another wrote: "Friday's show will be hard to watch." A third added: "We will miss you so much Ryan!"
MORE: Kelly Ripa's son Michael's appearance leaves fans saying the same thing
Ryan announced back in February that he would be leaving the ABC talk show at the end of the season, and his last day is Friday, April 14. Kelly will instead be joined by her husband, Mark Consuelos, who has co-hosted the show with his wife on a number of occasions.
© Daytime Emmy Awards 2021Ryan announced the news of his departure - which will see him focus on his other projects in LA, including American Idol - at the top of February 16th's episode, telling Kelly: "I will always be forever grateful," after which Kelly insisted: "You are family here, we love you, we are so proud of you."
Ryan and Kelly walked out with linked arms ahead of the announcement, waiting a few minutes before revealing the news.
MORE: David Muir gushes over Kelly Ripa's children in revealing new interview
MORE: Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos' son lives a very different life to his famous parents
Ryan began: "So, Kelly and I have some news here," adding: "This is something she and I have been talking about for a long time, and it was a tough, tough decision."
"Last year, we spoke, and I made the decision to make this my last season as co-host with Kel, here on Live! With Kelly and Ryan, which is bittersweet." Kelly appeared nothing but supportive, telling him: "I get it, you are a gem, you are one of my best friends, and I said, the greatest part of this entire experience has been [that] you've gone from being a friend to a family member, you are family to us."
© Jamie McCarthyMark is delighted to be joining Kelly at work, and opened up about his new job on social media when the news was announced, expressing his excitement and paying tribute to Ryan. He wrote: "Congrats on your next chapter @ryanseacrest. I love you like a brother. I know I have some big shoes to fill … well actually they’re only a size 9, but you know what I mean. @kellyripa my ride or die. This is going to be amazing!
MORE: T.J. Holmes' estranged wife makes bold move in wake of romance with Amy Robach
MORE: Kelly Ripa reacts to Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes' affair in the most unexpected way
"I can’t believe after all these years of listening to you talk for free, I found a way to get paid for it. Is this a great country or what?" Ryan joined the show back in 2017, following in the footsteps of Michael Strahan and before him, of course, Regis Philbin.
Read more HELLO! US stories here
Want to keep up to date with the latest stories? Sign up to our HELLO! Newsletters today.
