Ryan Seacrest Relocating to NYC for 'Live!' Co-Hosting Gig -- What Does This Mean For His LA-Based Work?
Ryan Seacrest might be the busiest man in daytime television.
The 42-year-old TV personality was named Kelly Ripa's permanent co-host of Live on Monday, which means that he'll be moving from Los Angeles, California, to New York City, where the show tapes. While on Monday's show, Seacrest revealed that he will be keeping his home in L.A., and will be flying back to the West Coast on weekends.
Much of the former American Idol host's professional life is still back in L.A., except for ABC’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, which he hosts every year. A production source on Live tells ET that the "staff isn’t concerned about Ryan’s many gigs," noting that former co-host, Michael Strahan, also had multiple jobs.
"It’s being worked out so that Ryan is able to focus on Live properly," the source continued. "Kelly is in support of his other jobs."
Seacrest hosts a nationally syndicated daily radio show, On-Air With Ryan Seacrest, and according to The Hollywood Reporter, the ABC building that houses Live will also have a new radio studio for Seacrest. As for Ryan Seacrest Productions and Ryan Seacrest Enterprises, the trade publication reports that the companies are to remain in L.A.
CNN notes that Seacrest also recently renewed his contract to host red carpet specials for NBCUniversal's E! network, while THR reports that the shows he executive produces, Keeping Up With the Kardashians and Shades of Blue, his fashion collection, Ryan Seacrest Distinction, and his entrepreneurial and philanthropic pursuits will not be uprooted.
In addition to all of those projects and hosting Live, THR reports that Seacrest is also a Live executive producer. “The puzzle of it all is what took a long time to figure out,” Seacrest told The New York Times of the negotiations with ABC before accepting the job. “I love to do a lot, but I am very conscious of making sure that no commitment is less favorite than another. They all deserve full focus, full attention, full energy.”
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Seacrest doesn't seem to mind having a jam-packed schedule, and sent out a series of social media messages following his first day of work as Ripa's co-host. "So excited to join this show!! @KellyRipa crushes every morning... one of my favorite people ever," he tweeted. "Day 1 of many. Thank you for making it easy, @KellyRipa. #LiveKellyRyan."
Live waited over a year before announcing Ripa's permanent co-host after Michael Strahan abruptly exited the show in May. "Kelly has always said that she wants a partner," a Live spokesperson told ET back in September. "That hasn't changed."
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