Ryan Seacrest and Kelly Ripa at Watch What Happens Live!© Getty Images

Ryan Seacrest's parting words to Kelly Ripa revealed in the last second of Live!

The Live with Kelly and Ryan co-stars have hosted the ABC show for six years together

US Deputy Editor
April 14, 2023

Ryan Seacrest  has officially ended his long-running stint on Live with Kelly and Ryan, handing over the baton to Mark Consuelos  to host with his wife Kelly Ripa.

It was an emotional show on Friday with plenty of antics and heartfelt moments before they bid farewell to the much-loved host.

But nobody will miss him more than his co-host, Kelly. So, what were his final words to the woman who has been by his side on screen for six years?

WATCH: Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos drop first teaser for Live with Kelly and Mark

As the two hour show came to an end and marked the end of an era, Ryan turned to Kelly, hugged her and could be heard saying: "I love you".

Ryan announced he was leaving the ABC show in February. The star joined the show back in 2017, following in the footsteps of Michael Strahan and before him Regis Philbin.

MORE: Kelly Ripa's son Michael's appearance leaves fans saying the same thing

MORE: Kelly Ripa's net worth compared to former Live hosts Michael Strahan and Regis Philbin will surprise you

He announced the news at the top of the memorable episode, telling fans and Kelly: "I will always be forever grateful," after which Kelly insisted: "You are family here, we love you, we are so proud of you."

Kelly later confirmed her husband would be joining her side on-air permanently.

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 

Fifteen minutes into the episode, as the two were hosting their daily trivia game, 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.

© Getty Images

Kelly will now be joined by her husband Mark Consuelos

"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."

Read more HELLO! US stories here

Keep up with the latest celebrity stories Sign up to our HELLO! Mail newsletter and get them delivered straight to your inbox.

Sign up to Off Camera for all the gossip and goings-on from the wonderful world of TV and film

Email Address

By entering your details, you are agreeing to HELLO! Magazine User Data Protection Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information, please click here.

More TV and Film

See more