Since last May, Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest have been co-hosting Live With Kelly and Ryan together. Over the past year, their on-screen chemistry has always been on point during the daily talk show — and that’s because their relationship is strong both on and off the air.
“They get along famously,” a source told E! News of the pair. “Ryan and Kelly have the same work ethic and values. That’s why it works so well.” A source also told Closer Weekly exclusively, that “they are very in sync with each other.” The insider added, “With Ryan, Kelly feels like she’s met her match. She says this has been the best few months she’s had on the show since she joined 16 years ago.”
However, there’s been some struggle with their relationship behind the scenes recently following Ryan’s sexual harassment allegations. According to Page Six, Kelly is worried about how Ryan’s situation could impact their show. “Kelly doesn’t want to risk anything happening to Live. She is understandably livid because it could potentially f - - k up her show,” a source told the news outlet in March.
Another insider added, “They oversell their friendship. Her reputation is rolled up in this — this is her show. For Kelly, there’s not a Plan B. She has to make a decision and rally around him.”
Neither Kelly nor Ryan’s reps have spoken out, but one source noted that their friendship has made this whole thing very difficult. “He’s one of her closest friends, and they’re very protective of each other. They’ve known each other for years and talk about everything. It’s been a tough week,” the insider said.
But don’t worry, they won’t let this get in the way of their talk show. “Working day-to-day has been a learning and growing experience for both of them,” a source told Closer. Another insider told E! News, “Kelly and Ryan have open and transparent conversations. There will be no surprises. They are partners.” Phew!
