Ryan Seacrest Named Permanent Co-Host of the ‘Live’ Franchise

Ryan Seacrest has inherited the chair opposite Kelly Ripa on Disney-ABC’s newly re-christened “Live with Kelly and Ryan.” Beginning with today’s inaugural broadcast, Seacrest joins Ripa as co-host and a fellow executive producer on the veteran syndicated morning talk show.

“Not only is Kelly Ripa one of the most talented live hosts in broadcast TV, she’s also become a very dear friend to me over the years. It’s consistently been my privilege and pleasure to work alongside Kelly with all her incredible talents, charm and humor – whether hosting the Disney Christmas Day Parade special with her a decade ago or guest co-hosting alongside her on ‘Live,’ it’s always just been easy and fun to share a set with her, and we have a blast,” said Seacrest. “I’ve been so fortunate in my career to be a part of some incredible TV programs, and I’m excited to join daytime’s top entertainment talk show, and most important, I couldn’t think of anyone I’d rather share this new chapter with than Kelly Ripa – she’s a dream broadcast partner, and I can’t wait to start.”

Seacrest will make the move to New York immediately to begin his co-hosting duties, and will continue hosting and executive producing “On Air with Ryan Seacrest,” nationally syndicated LA morning drive-time radio show for iHeartMedia’s 102.7 KIIS-FM, as well as a nationally syndicated Top 40 radio show. New York’s ABC-7, home of “Live with Kelly and Ryan,” will house a brand-new iHeartRadio studio for Seacrest’s New York City location.

Seacrest replaces Michael Strahan, who exited last May and is now a co-anchor on ABC’s “Good Morning America.”