20 Minutes ago in New York City, Kelly Ripa was confirmed as In an emotional and open conversation on Live with Kelly and Mark, actor and co-host Mark Consuelos revealed that he will be stepping away from the program for a temporary period to focus on family matters and his personal well-being.
The announcement was made during a live broadcast of the popular daytime show and was met with visible support from the studio audience, as well as an outpouring of encouragement from viewers watching across the country.
During the May 2025 episode, Consuelos, 53, shared the news directly with his co-host and wife, Kelly Ripa. He explained that he plans to take approximately six months away from his hosting duties. According to Consuelos, the decision followed thoughtful consideration and discussions with both his family and medical professionals.
He emphasized that the step back was intentional and rooted in maintaining balance rather than responding to any single dramatic event.
Prioritizing Wellness and Family Although no specific medical condition was disclosed, both Consuelos and Ripa suggested that the break is tied to the broader goal of protecting mental, emotional, and physical health.
In recent months, Consuelos has managed a demanding workload that included daily live television appearances, acting commitments, and other public engagements. Media outlets have described his schedule as intense, making this pause a proactive effort to restore equilibrium between professional obligations and personal life.
The couple has long been candid about the challenges of juggling high-profile careers with family responsibilities. This decision reflects the same openness they’ve demonstrated in past conversations about self-care and boundaries.
Show to Continue with Guest Co-Hosts ABC confirmed that Live with Kelly and Mark will continue its regular weekday broadcasts during Consuelos’ absence.
Ripa will remain at the helm, joined by a rotating lineup of guest co-hosts—a format familiar to longtime viewers whenever temporary leaves have occurred in the past.
Potential guest co-hosts could include: Ryan Seacrest, who co-hosted the program from 2017 to 2023 Michael Gelman, the show’s longtime executive producer Ripa’s children, who have occasionally appeared in lighter on-air segments Ripa reassured viewers that while there may be slight adjustments to the format, the heart of the show—community, authenticity, and connection—will remain unchanged.
Audience Reaction and Public Support Shortly after the announcement aired, social media platforms lit up with supportive messages. On X (formerly Twitter), hashtags like #ThankYouMark and #LiveWithKelly began trending. Fans expressed admiration for the couple’s honesty and applauded Consuelos for prioritizing health and family.
Overall sentiment was overwhelmingly positive, with many viewers commending the transparency shown during what could have been a more private decision. Mental Health in the Public Conversation.