In a heartfelt and candid moment on Live with Kelly and Mark, actor and co-host Mark Consuelos confirmed that he will be taking a temporary hiatus from the show to focus on family responsibilities and personal well-being. The announcement came during a live taping of the popular ABC daytime program, and was met with support and emotion from both the in-studio audience and viewers across the country.
Mark Consuelos Announces Six-Month Leave
During the May 2025 broadcast of Live with Kelly and Mark, Consuelos, 53, shared with co-host and wife Kelly Ripa that he will be stepping away from his hosting duties for approximately six months. He explained that this decision was made after careful reflection and in consultation with his family and medical advisors.
Understanding the Decision: Balancing Wellness and Family
While no specific health condition was cited, Consuelos and Ripa both indicated that this pause is related to managing work-life balance, a topic they’ve often discussed publicly. In recent months, Consuelos has balanced live TV responsibilities with acting projects and public appearances, leading to what some outlets have described as a “demanding schedule.”
Kelly Ripa to Remain with Rotating Co-Hosts
ABC has confirmed that Live with Kelly and Mark will continue airing daily during Mark’s absence. Kelly Ripa will remain on the program with a series of guest co-hosts, as has been customary during prior temporary leaves on the show.
Potential fill-in co-hosts may include previous contributors such as:
- Anderson Cooper
- Ryan Seacrest, who previously co-hosted with Ripa from 2017 to 2023
- Michael Gelman, executive producer of the show
- Kelly’s children, who have occasionally appeared on-air in lighter segments
Ripa noted that while the format may shift slightly over the next few months, the show will remain focused on community, connection, and authenticity, hallmarks that have defined its success over several decades.
Audience Response: Messages of Support Across Platforms
Shortly after the live announcement, viewers took to social media to share their reactions. Hashtags such as #ThankYouMark and #LiveWithKelly began trending on X (formerly Twitter), with many fans sending words of encouragement.
Audience sentiment was overwhelmingly positive, with users appreciating the couple’s openness and mutual support during a time of transition.
Mental Health Awareness in the Spotlight
Mark Consuelos’ announcement comes at a time when more public figures are speaking candidly about the importance of mental health, wellness, and family care. In past interviews, both Consuelos and Ripa have highlighted the challenges of balancing busy careers with their personal lives.
Health professionals and media analysts commended the decision as an example of healthy boundary-setting in the entertainment industry.
(Source: Psychology Today – Celebrity Mental Health Commentary)
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Show?
According to ABC’s daytime programming department, Live with Kelly and Mark will continue its normal broadcast schedule with dynamic guest segments and lifestyle features, in addition to the rotating co-hosts. The show’s production team reassured fans that Mark Consuelos will return after his planned leave.
(Source: ABC Media Relations)
Long-Term Outlook for Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos
Although the announcement prompted some speculation about whether this signals a long-term transition or possible retirement, there has been no indication that either Consuelos or Ripa plan to step away permanently from television.
Industry insiders familiar with the couple’s career trajectory confirm that this is a temporary pause, not a farewell, and that both continue to be under contract with ABC.
(Source: The Hollywood Reporter – Daytime TV Updates)
Final Thoughts: A Message of Gratitude and Connection
As the episode came to a close, Mark Consuelos addressed the audience directly, thanking viewers for their continued support.
“We appreciate your kindness and understanding,” he said. “We’re grateful for the connection we’ve built with you over the years—and we’re looking forward to returning with full hearts.”
Kelly Ripa added: “Take care of yourselves and your loved ones. That’s what we’ll be doing, too.”
The in-studio audience responded with applause, and the segment closed on a hopeful, united note.
Verified Sources:
- ABC – Live with Kelly and Mark
- Variety – Daytime TV News
- The Hollywood Reporter – Broadcast Programming
- Psychology Today – Mental Health Insights
- Entertainment Weekly – Talk Show Coverage
