It is an end of an era because Ryan Seacrest is leaving Live with Kelly and Ryan, the show that propelled him to stardom.

The news of his departure was announced on the show by Seacrest himself on Thursday. He said he will be leaving at the end of the season, in May.

Why is Ryan Seacrest leaving Kelly and Ryan?

TMZ quoted sources saying that Seacrest had always planned to leave after doing the show for just 3 years but he ended up doing it for many more years after that. He also has a number of gigs lined up even after leaving Kelly and Ryan that are going to keep him busy.

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Although he sold his Beverly Hills estate back in November for around $51 million, it is being reported that he will probably move back to L.A., at least part-time. Seacrest’s departure from the show was also not as planned as Michael Strahan’s departure.

He said on the show, “Working alongside Kelly over the past 6 years has been a dream job and one of the highlights of my career. She has been an amazing partner, friend and confidant.” Seacrest said on Instagram, “I’ll be transitioning out of Live this Spring to shoot the 21st season of American Idol in L.A., continue my radio show on KIIS-FM and Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin Eve, and focus my summers on opening three more Ryan Seacrest Foundation Studios in pediatric hospitals across the country.”

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On a more fun note, he added: “I’m looking forward to coming back to guest host in the future and Kelly, I promise to forever share my food photos, chicken eggs, and olive oil with you. And congratulations to my brother Mark, feel free to remodel my dressing room!”

Kelly’s husband, Mark Consuelos, will replace Seacrest, after the latter leaves.