Did Mark Consuelos Get Along With Kelly Ripa's Former Co-Host Ryan Seacrest?

The on-screen chemistry between hosts is crucial in talk shows, as a strong rapport makes for entertaining and exciting television. Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos, a beloved real-life couple, have won over viewers on "Live With Kelly and Mark." Before Consuelos made the move from guest co-host to permanent co-host in April, Ryan Seacrest played Ripa's other half for six seasons.

There's no doubt that Ripa and Seacrest developed a close connection on "Live With Kelly and Ryan." When Seacrest announced that he was leaving the hit ABC show in February, he remarked (per Variety), "Working alongside Kelly over the past six years has been a dream job and one of the highlights of my career." He raved about his then-co-host, adding, "She has been an amazing partner, friend, and confidant, and although we will always be a part of each other's lives, I will miss our mornings together." While Ripa and Seacrest's tight friendship is no secret, how did the "American Idol" host feel about Ripa's husband, Consuelos?

To say that Mark Consuelos and Ryan Seacrest are on good terms would be an understatement. When Consuelos became co-host of "Live with Kelly and Mark," Seacrest showed his respect with a thoughtful and generous gift. Consuelos told People, "He left all his furniture, which is amazing. He left me a beautiful hand-written note with a gorgeous photograph of Steve McQueen. It's going to go right there on the wall." Seacrest was supportive of Consuelos, as the new co-host added that the note was "just a nice message of encouragement." He also said that Seacrest's present was "a very peaceful transfer of power." Overall, their bond is marked by mutual respect and admiration, as Consuelos gushed, "I am so appreciative of his friendship and the warm words he's shown me."

Consuelos has expressed his gratitude for Seacrest on numerous occasions. In an April episode of "Live," Consuelos surprised the former co-host with a send-off cake. After Consuelos wheeled out the dessert table, he gave Seacrest a heartfelt hug. He shared, "When the transition was happening, one of the first phone calls I got was from Ryan. I'll never forget your words of kindness and support and reassurance."

Evidently, Ryan Seacrest also feels a deep connection with Mark Consuelos. In a February episode of "Live," Seacrest sat with Kelly Ripa and Consuelos, telling him, "I just — I do wanna say that you are a brother to me. You are a family member to me." He gushed about Ripa and Consuelos, displaying his enthusiasm for Consuelos' take-over as co-host. The feeling is clearly mutual for Consuelos, who replied, "I echo that, and I couldn't think of a better person to sit next to my wife for the past six years. You're a true friend. You're a brother. You're generous to my wife, to my whole family."

Seacrest has also applauded Consuelos' on-air talent. When Consuelos officially started his run as co-host of "Live With Kelly and Mark," Seacrest offered his praises. At an "American Idol" red carpet event, he told E! News, "I've been watching Kelly and Mark and they're doing great. I hope to see them and hang out soon in the 'wild,' as Kelly would say."