Emmy-winning producer Ryan Seacrest Delivered an emotional speech at his farewell dinner on Wednesday with the hard-working behind-the-scenes staff at LIVE with Kelly and Ryan ahead of his final show as co-host and producer.
The Atlanta-born 48-year-old called his co-host and “our leader” Kelly Ripa, whom he kissed and hugged at their table next to his replacement and her husband of nearly 27 years, Mark Consuelos.
“My brother, Mark, congratulations,” said Ryan – who announced his departure on Feb. 16.
“It’s amazing to go through this process with someone I love so much and who obviously knows her better than I know her. But congratulations, and I can’t wait to watch it or record it and sleep it off – probably that! But congratulations, Mark.’
Since 2005, the Spanish-born 52-year-old has appeared in a whopping 138 episodes of LIVE, many as a guest co-host.
End of an era: Emmy-winning producer Ryan Seacrest gave an emotional speech at his farewell dinner Wednesday with the hard-working behind-the-scenes staff of LIVE with Kelly and Ryan ahead of his final show as co-host and producer
Last but not least: The Atlanta-born 48-year-old called his co-host and “our leader” Kelly Ripa, whom he kissed and hugged at their table alongside his replacement and her husband of nearly 27 years, Mark Consuelo’s
Seacrest – whose contract was up for three years in 2017 – admitted he was “nervous” before starting his appearance on the syndicated morning show, but “there’s really no place in our industry other than the live show.” I’m grateful to have been part of it for six years.’
The Kardashians producer selected several crew members, such as director Monica Mangin, and listed the many things he would miss, including the annual Christmas show and “sharing the bathroom, well, with everyone.”
“And you know it was coming…I’m going to miss the Halloween show,” Ryan said before admitting:
“You know, that’s actually a lie. I mean the costumes, the wigs, the art of it all.’
Seacrest was also amazed at how the crew managed to pull off the annual Oscars aftershow: “I mean, you guys turned a show overnight — it’s a magical experience that I’ll remember forever.” ‘
The host’s final LIVE episode of On Air with Ryan Seacrest airs this Friday, and the 52-year-old Daytime Emmy winner teased on the April 6 episode of Watch what’s happening live that they “plan lots of surprises” and “say goodbye to him.”
Kelly has been hosting LIVE way back in 2000 when she replaced Kathie Lee Gifford and had to deal with Regis Philbin derisively calling her “it.”
Fans can also currently watch Ryan host the 21st season of the American Idol singing competition, which airs Sundays and Mondays on ABC.
Ryan – who announced his departure on February 16 – said: ‘Congratulations to my brother, Mark. It’s amazing to go through this process with someone I love so much and who clearly knows her better than I do her. But congratulations, and I can’t wait to watch it or record it and sleep in – probably that!”
It’s all who you know! Since 2005, the Spanish-born 52-year-old (L, pictured Feb. 17) has appeared in a whopping 138 episodes of LIVE, many as a guest co-host
Seacrest – whose contract ran for three years in 2017 – admitted he was “nervous” before starting his appearance on the syndicated morning show: “There’s really no other place in our business quite like the live show.” I’m grateful to be part of it for six years’
Memories: The Kardashians producer selected several crew members, such as director Monica Mangin, and listed the many things he would miss, including the annual Christmas show (pictured Dec. 19) and “sharing the bathroom, well, with everyone”
“And you know it was coming…I’m going to miss the Halloween show,” Ryan said before admitting, “You know, that’s actually a lie. I mean the costumes, the wigs, the art of everything’
Seacrest was also amazed at how the crew managed to pull off the annual post-show Oscars: “I mean, you guys turned a show around overnight — it’s a magical experience that I’ll remember forever.” ‘
The host’s final LIVE episode of On Air with Ryan Seacrest airs this Friday, and the 52-year-old Daytime Emmy winner (L, pictured Thursday) teased on the April 6 episode of Watch What Happens Live: “We plan a lot surprises. ..we haze him goodbye’
‘I felt terrible’: Kelly hosted LIVE way back in 2000 when she replaced Kathie Lee Gifford and had to deal with Regis Philbin (L) derisively calling her ‘it’
‘Top 26 at Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii Part #1’: Fans can also watch Ryan host the 21st season of the singing competition American Idol, which airs Sunday and Monday on ABC