After a year-long search, Kelly Ripa announced her permanent “Live With Kelly” co-host on Monday: Ryan Seacrest.
Seacrest is no stranger to the morning talker, having guest-hosted multiple times. Often called “the hardest working man in Hollywood” (he has a radio show, hosts E!’s red carpet awards shows, and produces numerous reality TV shows, including “Keeping Up With the Kardashians” and “Shahs of Sunset”), Seacrest is relocating from Los Angeles to the Big Apple full-time.
Variety managed to catch up with Seacrest and asked him about his newest role:
Welcome to NYC! Have you ever lived here before? Was it a hard decision to relocate from LA?
Thank you. I have never lived here before but I have spent a lot of time here. I expect to still spend a lot of time in Los Angeles, but I’m excited to take up residence in the Big Apple. And while it was a big decision, of course, I’m really excited for this new chapter.
How long have you been considering this role?
It’s always been on my radar as it’s such a terrific show, and I have been a frequent guest and co-host over the years. But I would probably say that serious consideration was given to this over the last few months.
What is it about you and Kelly that clicks so well?
I think we share the same values and work ethic, and have a long history together of just being great friends, which is always a foundation for an easy rapport.
You seem to thrive on live TV. Why?
It’s exciting and unpredictable. I love the adrenaline live TV brings.
How do you juggle so many different aspects to your career?
I have a terrific team who really helps me navigate it all. I also just try to give my full attention to what I am working on at any given time — so I give 100% to each and everything thing that I do.
Does having big TV platforms like “Live,” “American Idol, “Live From the Red Carpet” et al help you as a businessman?
Definitely, without question. We try to make all the pieces fit together so that no matter what I do brings value to the other commitments and ventures I am involved with.
Watch Seacrest make his “Live With Kelly and Ryan” debut here or above.
