Fans of LIVE With Kelly & Ryan were left puzzled this week as Kelly Ripa, the beloved talk show host, was noticeably absent from the popular daytime program. For multiple days in a row, viewers tuned in to see former Extra host Maria Menounos sitting in Ripa’s seat, prompting questions about Ripa’s whereabouts and whether fans should expect her return soon.

Kelly Ripa’s MIA Absence

The mystery surrounding Ripa’s absence was revealed to fans on Monday morning, when producers shared a behind-the-scenes clip on Instagram introducing Maria Menounos as her temporary replacement. While Ripa hasn’t shared the reason for her absence, many fans quickly speculated that she might be spending some quality time with her husband, Mark Consuelos, and their children: Michael (23), Lola (19), and Joaquin (18), possibly enjoying a spring break getaway.

Source: Kelly Ripa/Instagram

On Instagram, Ripa posted videos of her dogs on National Puppy Day, showcasing her Manhattan home, but she didn’t appear in the footage herself, fueling further speculation about her time away from the show.

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Maria Menounos Steps In

As for Menounos, the former E! News alum quickly stepped into the role and took over hosting duties with ease. Fans were quick to praise her presence on the show, with some even commenting on how refreshing the “new energy” felt. One viewer gushed, “Fresh energy much needed for the show,” while another added, “I started my work day later just to watch her.”

Menounos’ warm and humorous personality seemed to mesh perfectly with LIVE’s dynamic, and viewers took to social media to express their approval of her as a co-host. “Maria fits in well!! She is funny, too!” another fan commented, signaling her seamless integration into the LIVE family.

Should Kelly Ripa Be Concerned?

While Ripa has built a loyal fanbase over the years, it’s clear that Menounos’ appearance has sparked some excitement among viewers. The warm reception and praise for Menounos’ co-hosting skills may prompt some to wonder if Ripa should be worried about the sudden surge in admiration for her replacement.

Despite this, many fans have expressed their eagerness for Ripa’s return. The show’s strong chemistry and loyal viewership make it clear that Ripa’s place on the show is still secure, but it’s undeniable that Menounos has garnered positive feedback for her guest-hosting role.

What’s Next for Kelly Ripa?

For now, the exact reason behind Ripa’s absence remains unclear, but fans are hopeful that she will return to the show soon. In the meantime, Maria Menounos’ time on LIVE With Kelly & Ryan is undoubtedly adding a fresh layer of excitement to the show, leaving fans intrigued and eager to see how the dynamic continues to evolve.

Will Ripa return soon, or will Menounos’ new energy prove too contagious for the show to ever be the same again? Only time will tell. Stay tuned to see what happens next!