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LIVE Shakeup: Who’s Replacing Kelly Ripa During Health Leave?
Kelly Ripa Takes a Break from "LIVE" to Heal from Gum Surgery
What’s Going On with Kelly Ripa?
If you’ve been watching LIVE with Kelly and Mark lately, you might have noticed something different — Kelly Ripa hasn’t been there! The beloved TV host, who is 55 years old, has been off the show since Monday, July 27. Instead of Kelly, a rotating group of celebrity guest hosts have been sitting next to her husband and co-host, Mark Consuelos.
Important Point: Kelly isn’t leaving the show for good — she’s just taking time off to recover from a medical procedure.
Why Is Kelly Missing from the Show?
On the July 27 episode, Mark explained exactly what happened:
"Kelly had a little bit — well, it’s not a little — she had a gum graft surgery."
Here’s what that means in simple terms:
- Gum graft surgery is when a dentist takes tissue from one part of your mouth (or uses special material) and attaches it to an area where your gums have pulled back.
- It’s done to protect your teeth roots and make your gums healthier.
- Recovery can be really uncomfortable.
Mark shared that Kelly is:
- Doing well overall and healing slowly but surely
- In quite a bit of pain (which is saying a lot — Mark joked she usually doesn’t even use numbing shots at the dentist!)
- On a liquid-only diet (no solid foods)
- Not allowed to speak or even pull down her lip to check the healing
Who’s Been Filling In for Kelly? (So Far)
Mark has had some fun company while Kelly recovers! Here’s who’s joined him so far:
| Day | Guest Host | Fun Fact |
|---|---|---|
| Monday, July 27 | Kevin Jonas (from the Jonas Brothers) | Stayed for Tuesday too! |
| Wednesday, July 29 | Mila Kunis | Talked about loving NYC with her kids; husband Ashton Kutcher watched from the audience! |
| Thursday, July 30 | Pamela Adlon | Chatted about returning to voice Bobby Hill in King of the Hill |
Who’s Coming Up Next?
The guest host parade continues! Here’s the schedule for the rest of the week and next week:
This Week:
- Friday, July 31: Scott Foley (Scandal star)
Next Week (August 3–7):
- Monday, Aug 3: Sarah Chalke (Scrubs star)
- Tuesday, Aug 4: Jenna Dewan (The Rookie star)
- Wednesday, Aug 5: Déjà Vu (the show’s own DJ and emcee!)
- Thursday, Aug 6: Michelle Buteau (comedian and actress)
- Friday, Aug 7: Carrie Coon (The White Lotus and The Gilded Age star)
Note: After next week, the show takes its regular summer break with pre-recorded segments. Kelly will likely return after about three weeks total off the air.
Why Kelly and Mark Are Such a Great Team
Kelly and Mark aren’t just co-hosts — they’ve been married for over 30 years! Their longtime producer, Michael Gelman, says that’s exactly what makes the show special:
"It’s wonderful to have the LIVE family grow even more with a real married couple as part of the everyday show. They have the same relationship on-and-off the air, and that’s part of the magic — you see their interaction every day, just like a live married couple."
In other words: What you see is what you get. Their jokes, teasing, and sweet moments are 100% real.
Quick Summary
- Kelly Ripa is recovering from gum graft surgery (done July 27).
- She’s on a liquid diet, can’t talk, and is in significant pain.
- Mark Consuelos is hosting with celebrity guest co-hosts for ~2 weeks.
- Guests so far: Kevin Jonas, Mila Kunis, Pamela Adlon.
- Upcoming: Scott Foley, Sarah Chalke, Jenna Dewan, Déjà Vu, Michelle Buteau, Carrie Coon.
- Show goes on summer break after Aug 7 → Kelly returns after ~3 weeks total.
- Kelly & Mark’s real-life marriage is the heart of the show’s chemistry.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
1. What exactly is gum graft surgery?
It’s a dental procedure where tissue is added to areas where gums have receded (pulled back). This protects tooth roots, reduces sensitivity, and improves gum health. Think of it like patching a worn-out spot on a favorite pair of jeans — but in your mouth!
2. Why can’t Kelly talk or eat solid food?
After gum surgery, the area needs to stay completely still and clean to heal properly. Talking, chewing, or even stretching your lip can pull the stitches or disrupt the new tissue. It’s like trying to glue something back together — you have to hold it still until the glue dries.
3. Is Kelly leaving the show permanently?
No! This is just a medical leave. She’s expected back after the show’s summer break (around late August).
4. How are the guest hosts chosen?
Usually, they’re friends of the show, fellow ABC/Disney stars, or celebrities promoting new projects. Many (like Kevin Jonas and Mila Kunis) have been on before and have great chemistry with Mark.
5. Will Mark host alone when Kelly’s back from surgery but before summer break ends?
No — the schedule shows guest hosts through Friday, August 7. After that, the show airs pre-taped "best of" episodes for summer break. Kelly will return when new live episodes resume.
Feel better soon, Kelly! We’ll be waiting for your return — and maybe a smoothie recipe or two from that liquid diet!
