Mark Consuelos has joined his wife Kelly Ripa for the first time in his new role as the full-time co-host of Live! with Kelly and Mark.
The 52-year-old took to the job following Ryan Seacrest's departure last week like a duck to water, welcoming viewers: "Hello!" after he walked in smiling hand in hand with the longstanding star of the show.
But this was not Mark's first-time hosting alongside his wife of 27 years. The couple have anchored several episodes in the show's past, including during the pandemic, with their already held status as fan favorites boding well for the future of the much-love show.
Kelly herself also had a lot to say at the beginning of the show, telling the audience: "Calm down, be seated" after they had welcomed the pair with a standing ovation.
She then went on to tease that audience could expect to see the couple for a long time, introducing Mark to the audience by jokingly saying: "Joining me today, and permanently, until one of us dies is Mark Consuelos!"
"Wow, that was a nice reception," Mark said thankfully in response to the audience's cheers, before adding to his wife: "I just want to say thank you for trusting me to be your co-pilot."
The TV personality and her A-list husband are no strangers to being on TV together, as the couple met while starring in the famous sitcom All My Children during the 90s.
Kelly's previous co-host Ryan left the show on Friday after six years at the previously titled Live! with Kelly and Ryan. His final show was one full of emotion, with Kelly welling up several times before Ryan could give his final farewell.
Speaking about their bond, Kelly said: "We have been friends for decades and decades, I feel I have gained a younger brother, slash older son."
The audience and Ryan giggled, before she then went on to admit: "It's very complicated… I'm so grateful that our success together on this show has led to us developing an even closer but co-dependent relationship."
Ryan is not disappearing from the public eye, as the media mogul has revealed he still intends to continue his work hosting American Idol, as well as his radio show and also his successful work as a TV producer.
However, the 48-year-old is looking forward to having a little more time to spend with his family, including girlfriend Aubrey Paige, now that he is no longer recording Live! each day.
Meanwhile, fans can look forward to a lot more of Live! with Kelly and Mark on their screens in the future.
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