Here's the big news, folks: Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos are teaming up as co-stars once again, this time as co-hosts of the iconic daytime show, Live with Kelly and Mark. When Ryan Seacrest exits this spring, the show is set to undergo a transformation with the return of two beloved All My Children alums. Mark, in his signature lighthearted humor, joked, "I know I have some big shoes to fill — well, actually, they’re only a size 9. But you know what I mean." The team at Live found hiring Mark as Kelly’s new co-host to be a natural fit. "Kelly wasn’t going to go through the public search for a cohost again. She never enjoyed it," an insider tells Closer. "Her audience loves Mark. And he’s never going to surprise her and quit—she hopes!"
Back to Their Roots: A Journey Through Time
Not everyone would jump at the chance to live and work with their spouse, but for Kelly, 52, and Mark, 51, this isn’t their first rodeo. The couple met in 1995 during Mark’s audition for All My Children and began dating soon after, keeping their romance a secret for a while. "People tend to think there’ll be problems when you’re dating your co-star," Mark recalls. Despite the odds, the couple eloped to Las Vegas a year later, and their marriage has stood the test of time. "On paper, it should not have worked," Kelly admits. "But we’ve always taken our vows seriously and fought for our marriage when it would have been easier to quit." Their journey together has been nothing short of inspiring.
Partners in Every Sense
Over the years, Kelly and Mark have been partners in every aspect of life. Together, they’ve raised three children: Michael, 25, Lola, 21, and Joaquin, 19. Beyond family life, the couple shares a production company and are even co-owners of an Italian soccer team. Mark has frequently guest-hosted on Live, and Kelly played the mistress of Mark’s character in a 2019 episode of Riverdale. She called it "a role I was born to play." Meanwhile, Mark, who left Riverdale in 2021, hasn’t given up his acting career. "Kelly’s fine with a fill-in cohost if Mark gets a juicy acting gig," the insider reveals. It’s clear that the couple is all about balance and support.
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A Glimpse Into Their Personal Lives
In their personal life, Kelly and Mark adhere to largely traditional values. Mark recalls a conversation where he joked, "Hey listen, there’s really only room for one man in this relationship and it’s going to be me." It may work at home, but on Live, where Kelly has been the star since 2001, the dynamic could shift. Will she let Mark take the lead on her own show? "A lot of couples in this business are egomaniacs," Kelly says. "But with Mark, we’re constantly building each other up." The insider adds that Kelly’s perky, outspoken personality won’t change for anyone—not even her husband. "Kelly’s a pro. She’ll definitely take the lead," the insider confirms. "Meanwhile, Mark’s humor, intensity, and insight into Kelly’s personality should make them very relatable to viewers." This partnership is all about mutual respect and understanding.
An Eye-Opening Moment
Let’s not forget the unforgettable moment in 2019 when the couple confessed to Live viewers that their daughter Lola walked in on them having sex—not once, but twice! Kelly recounted, "She shuts the door and you hear, 'You just ruined my birthday! And my life!'" It’s these candid moments that make the couple so relatable and endearing to their audience.
Kelly and Mark are thrilled to share the pleasures, pitfalls, and daily challenges of their marriage with their audience—at least for now. "Live has been a dream job for Kelly, but I think this version with Mark will be her last," the insider reveals. "Kelly dreams of relaxing more, vacationing, producing projects, and maybe looking after a grandkid or two." As they embark on this new chapter, it’s clear that their bond will continue to shine through.
