Kelly Ripa’s Sudden Absence From Live Has Finally Been Explained—And Mark Consuelos Has Revealed The Surprising Reason Behind It. ❤️ As Kelly takes time away from the show to recover from surgery, Mark shared an encouraging update on her condition while unveiling a star-studded lineup of celebrity guest co-hosts set to join him all week. Although she’s expected to make a full recovery, one unexpected detail about her treatment left even longtime fans stunned.

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Mark Consuelos’ Live Guest Co-Hosts Revealed as Wife Kelly Ripa Takes Time Off to Recover from Surgery

Mark Consuelos has a star-studded lineup of guest co-hosts to fill in for wife Kelly Ripa as she recovers from surgery.

Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos co-host “Live with Kelly and Mark”, featuring guests Law Roach and Caroline Rhea, with coverage airing on Tuesday, July 1st, 2026

On the Monday, July 27 episode of Live with Kelly and Mark, Consuelos revealed that Ripa will be absent from the talk show after undergoing a gum graft surgery.

Consuelos, 55, added that Ripa, 55, is “doing well” but, per doctor’s orders, she’s not allowed to talk.

Ripa is expected to be absent from Live for the next week, a rep for the show confirmed to PEOPLE.

Consuelos was joined by guest co-host Kevin Jonas on Monday’s episode. The Jonas Brothers star, 38, will be back to fill in on Tuesday. Other guest co-hosts this week will be Mila Kunis (Wednesday), Pamela Adlon (Thursday) and Scott Foley (Friday).

Kelly Ripa Absent from Live After ‘Painful’ Gum Graft Surgery, Mark Consuelos Says: ‘She’s Not Allowed to Talk’
Kevin Jonas and Mark Consuelos on July 27, 2026.ABC

“Her dentist said five years ago, ‘You can do it in about five years,’ “ Consuelos shared during Monday’s broadcast. “And she joked, ‘I didn’t think I’d still be on the air in five years.’”

He also added, “I’m trying to keep her to follow the rules, follow the directions,” while she’s on the mend. That includes eating only soft foods, avoiding straws and resisting the urge to inspect the surgical site while she heals.

“Yeah, it’s painful,” Consuelos, who shares three kids with Ripa, said of her recovery. “But she famously doesn’t feel pain. When she goes into the dentist she doesn’t use the novocaine. But this one hurts, so I know it’s bad.”

Mark Consuelos' 'Live' Co-Hosts Revealed as Wife Kelly Ripa Recovers from Surgery

For Ripa, this year marks 25 years hosting Live. The former soap actress joined the show in February 2001, replacing Kathie Lee Gifford as Regis Philbin‘s co-host. After the late Philbin retired in 2011, Ripa became the head of the show.

“I want to see this show stay on the air as long as linear TV lives,” she said. “The show is far more important than any two hosts, so I just want the show to live forever because it’s a really, really great piece of history. It’s also a great way for people to have worry-free TV that they can watch with their kids.”

Live with Kelly and Mark airs weekdays in syndication (check local listings).