Kelly Ripa’s Permanent Co-Host Revealed!

After nearly a year of searching, TV personality Kelly Ripa has finally found her co-host.

On Monday's episode, Kelly revealed that Ryan Seacrest will be at her side going forward. The show will now be called “Live with Kelly and Ryan.”

Before bringing Seacrest onstage, she told her audience, "Today, the next chapter of the 'Live' story is about to be written.” She went on to thank all the temporary co-hosts who have filled in over the past few months, saying, "They are a part of the 'Live' family forever.”

After joining, Ryan told Kelly, "I couldn't be more excited to be here with you.” Watch!

Before the big TV announcement, Ryan had told some of his close friends that he had some big news. Their first guesses? He said, "You're engaged! You're having a baby! You're coming out of the closet!”

Kelly released a statement after the unveiling of Ryan that read, "Ryan is a close friend and his star shines as brightly off camera as it does on. His tremendous success is only matched by his impeccable reputation. Plainly said, everyone loves him, and so will our daily viewers.”

Seacrest also had wonderful things to say about Ripa after the announcement. "Not only is Kelly Ripa one of the most talented live hosts in broadcast TV, she's also become a very dear friend to me over the years. It's consistently been my privilege and pleasure to work alongside Kelly with all her incredible talents, charm and humor. I've been so fortunate in my career to be a part of some incredible TV programs, and I'm excited to join daytime's top entertainment talk show, and most important, I couldn't think of anyone I'd rather share this new chapter with than Kelly Ripa — she's a dream broadcast partner, and I can't wait to start.”