Kelly Ripa Takes Medical Leave for Gum Graft Surgery as Guest Co-Hosts Fill In on Live with Kelly and Mark

Kelly Ripa is currently off the air from Live with Kelly and Mark following gum graft surgery, with a rotating lineup of celebrity guest co-hosts stepping in to work alongside Mark Consuelos. The daytime talk show host is prohibited from speaking during her recovery period, which dentists recommended she undergo five years ago. New episodes continue airing through August 28, though they were pre-recorded earlier in the summer.

Recovery Details and Guest Co-Hosts

Ripa's absence marks an extended medical leave as she heals from the dental procedure. According to Consuelos, the recovery is notably painful, even for someone who typically does not respond to dental discomfort. The host disclosed that Ripa has been defying medical orders by speaking without moving her bottom lip, though she is technically supposed to remain silent during recuperation.

The show has assembled a notable roster of celebrity replacements. Kevin Jonas appeared alongside Consuelos for two consecutive episodes, interviewing guests Common and Mary Beth Barone on Monday and Joe Buck and Lacey Chabert on Tuesday. Fans responded positively to the Jonas Brothers member, with social media commenters praising his hosting ability and suggesting he remain in a permanent co-hosting role. Other guest co-hosts filling the week include Sarah Chalke, Jenna Dewan, show announcer Déjà Vu, Michelle Buteau, and Carrie Coon.

Summer Break and Production Schedule

The Live production team is observing their annual summer break this month, which aligns with Ripa's recovery timeline. Despite the hiatus in fresh tapings, viewers continue to receive new content through pre-recorded episodes. The show's new season premiere date has not yet been announced, though the current run concludes on August 28. Déjà Vu, the show's announcer who has previously co-hosted alongside both Ripa and Consuelos, has opened up publicly this year about her own health journey, including a Bell's Palsy diagnosis.