"What you see of Ryan on the air is the person he is backstage, which is a unique thing," Ripa tells ET. "He just brings joyfulness and enthusiasm and professionalism and an authenticity to this place that I'm just so grateful to have here." A misty-eyed Seacrest responded: "I'm using every ounce of energy to fight back tears right now, while she's saying that." ALSO: Watch Seacrest and Ripa "living" in their Live studio.
TOPICS: Ryan Seacrest, ABC, Live with Kelly and Ryan, Kelly Ripa, Daytime TV