Amidst the busy world of TV hosting, Mark Consuelos, 52, got candid about Kelly Ripa’s thoughts on her future with LIVE with Kelly & Mark during a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight.
Mark, a TV personality himself, spoke proudly of Kelly, 52, his wife and colleague, and addressed speculation about her possible exit from Live. He emphasized: “She has been in it for 23 years. I don’t think it will be anytime soon. Now she’s having fun.”
Delving deeper into the roots of their careers, Mark recalled, “She’s worked tirelessly since she was 12 or 13. Starting her career at 18, it’s really been a long and rewarding journey.” But he firmly believes that when she decides to leave, no one will be more deserving of the breakup than her.
Kelly’s TV journey has cemented her as a beloved host over the past two decades. Reflecting on this during an interview with Purist magazine, she was asked about her consistency with Live despite her self-confessed risk aversion.
© Getty Images Kelly Ripa is honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on October 12, 2015 in Hollywood, California
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Kelly’s response was honest: “The risk-taking quality I have has probably kept me in the same job for so long. Other offers are coming, but I like the familiarity. You have me for life when you have me.”
However, commitment does not mean an indefinite mandate. She added: “Although I’m very enthusiastic about retirement, I don’t see myself in this role forever, especially given the joy of working with Mark.”
After sharing a life full of personal and professional moments, Kelly and Mark often think about their retirement.
© Instagram Kelly and Mark
With three children – Michael, 26; Lola, 22 years old; and Joaquin, 20 – after they flew the nest, Kelly gleefully shared: “It’s a refreshing phase where we’re rediscovering each other. Discussions about vacations and retirement plans are exciting.”
Kelly’s impressive live streak began alongside the late Regis Philbin. Over the years, her co-hosts have included Michael Strahan, Ryan Seacrest, and now Mark.
Kelly Ripa shows off her impressively toned arms at the Oscars
Close friend and regular Live host Ali Wentworth, 58, weighed in on Kelly’s co-hosting journey during an event at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
According to Ali, after the transition from Strahan and Seacrest, Mark felt like a natural progression and likely the final co-house deal. “After your husband is a co-host, switching to someone else just doesn’t feel right,” she reflected.
© NBCKelly Ripa waves
However, Ali admits the challenges of balancing a hit series and marriage, especially in the limelight.
She expressed her opinion: “It is difficult to balance personal and professional life in such a public domain. My husband, George Stephanopoulos, and I have always managed to keep those aspects separate. It will be intriguing to watch how Mark and Kelly manage this mix.”
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