Kelly Ripa And Ryan Seacrest Feuding On Set? Here’s What They Have To Say
Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest are reportedly feuding behind the scenes of Live with Kelly and Ryan, and it’s been less than a month since she announced her new co-host! What did they say about their constant fighting?
According to Radar Online, Ripa didn’t want Seacrest on the show in the first place. She allegedly asked for a lesser celebrity to co-host the daytime talk show because she wanted someone she could manage. Instead of following Ripa’s advice, the network hired the former American Idol host, who might be a bigger star than Ripa.
“Kelly preferred someone less well-known,” a source shared. “Kelly wanted someone she could boss around — and that isn’t Ryan. He’s as big of a star as she is! Maybe even bigger!”
This isn’t the first time Ripa has felt betrayed by ABC. Last year, Michael Strahan’s sudden exit from Live shocked Ripa and her fans alike. Although Ripa never thought the network would do something like that again, she now realizes her opinion isn’t as valued as she thought.
“Kelly is certainly a big star now, but she’s learning that she’s not big enough to call the shots when it comes to who’ll be sitting beside her when the cameras roll,” the source noted. “That’s got to hurt.”
Despite all the negative rumors, E! News reports that Ripa is happy that Seacrest is her new co-host. A rep for Ripa told the outlet that they are not fighting behind the scenes and are “thrilled” to be working together on the show.
“They get along famously. They truly love each other and speak several times a day. They respect each one another. She supports his other commitments and he supports hers. Ryan and Kelly have the same work ethic and values,” the rep revealed. “That’s why it works so well.”
Kelly Ripa announced Seacrest as her new co-host on May 1. It took Ripa and the network the better part of a year to find a suitable replacement after Strahan left for a spot on Good Morning America. While the fighting rumors swirl, the insider claims that Ripa and Seacrest can’t get enough of each other. The source even revealed Ripa is happy about Seacrest joining the show and that his presence on set has taken a lot of stress away from the job.
That said, there are some legitimate concerns about Seacrest joining the talk show. Along with co-hosting Live, Seacrest produces two reality TV shows and has his own radio show. Even more, ABC is reportedly in talks to bring Seacrest on board for the new American Idol reboot next year. Considering the American Idol rumors, a rep for Seacrest revealed that he still hasn’t decided whether or not he’ll host the hit singing competition.
“There is no contract for Idol. He is in early conversations. His deal with Live was made independent of Idol. No decisions have been made,” the rep explained. “His priority is Live and his radio show.”
Given his busy schedule, it would be difficult squeezing in another full-time hosting gig. Even still, Seacrest is in talks to see if something could be worked out. The topic was even brought up on a recent episode of Live, and Ripa told Seacrest that he shouldn’t pass on the opportunity to his American Idol at night.
Although it sounds like Ripa and Seacrest are getting along, the Wrap reports that ratings for Live are starting to dip. The series experienced a 12 percent decline in viewers between the first two weeks Seacrest joined the show.
Live with Kelly and Ryan airs weekdays on ABC.
Tell us! Do you think things are going as smoothly for Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest as their reps want you to think? Let us know in the comments below.
[Featured Image by ABC/Disney]
