Ryan Seacrest Is Officially Kelly Ripa's New 'Live' Co-Host!

Ryan Seacrest has officially been announced as the new co-host of the newly re-named Live! with Kelly and Ryan alongside longtime host Kelly Ripa!

The 42-year-old television personality made his first appearance as the permanent co-host on Monday morning (May 1).

“Today, the next story of the Live story is about to be written. Today is a very good day,” Kelly said. “I would like to thank all of the men and women who sat next to me co-hosting with me this past year. It’s not a big enough word, but they took time out of their busy schedules and took time away from their day jobs to hang out with me in the morning. Part of what makes this show so special is that through helping us out, we all became family. They are a part of the Live family forever.”

Kelly then thanked her audience, both in the studio and at home, for sticking with the show throughout the years.

Before making the big announcement, Kelly went to commercial break in the same way that Ryan often would on American Idol‘s results shows!

Click inside to read Kelly and Ryan’s official statements…

Kelly and Ryan both have released official statements, which you can read below.

“Ryan is a quintessential broadcaster and at the top of his game,” Kelly said. “I am thrilled to start my mornings with him every day, and we are so fortunate at Live to have him join the family. Ryan is a close friend and his star shines as brightly off camera as it does on. His tremendous success is only matched by his impeccable reputation. Plainly said, everyone loves him, and so will our daily viewers.”

Ryan is officially moving to New York City for the new gig.

“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,” Ryan said. “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.”

“I also want to genuinely thank Bob Iger, Ben Sherwood, Rebecca Campbell, Dave Davis, Janice Marinelli, and of course Michael Gelman, who all have been incredibly supportive in making this new chapter happen for me,” he added.