On Tuesday, Ryan Seacrest returned to TV to host “Live with Kelly and Ryan” after taking a day off following speculations that he had a stroke during the “American Idol” finale Sunday.
He told co-host Kelly Ripa, “(I’m) doing well, thank you. I want to thank Mark (Consuelos) for filling in yesterday. I appreciate that. He’s so good at it.”
The 45-year-old said “exhaustion: was the reason behind his scare. He expressed gratitude for “all the very kind well-wishes for my exhaustion, working around the clock. I got a day off to relax and here we are once again.”
Fans suggested that Seacrest had a medical emergency while hosting the “American Idol” finale from his Los Angeles home after he slurred his words and his left eye appeared to bulge, speculating that he suffered a stroke on live television.
However, Seacrest’s spokesperson eased everyone’s concerns by providing an update on his health.
His spokesperson said in a statement, “Ryan did not have any kind of stroke last night. Like many people right now, Ryan is adjusting to the new normal and finding work-home balance, with the added stress of having to put on live shows from home.”
The statement added, “He took a well-deserved day off,” as he missed work on Monday.
“Between Live with Kelly and Ryan, American Idol, On Air with Ryan Seacrest, and the Disney Family Singalong specials, he (Seacrest) has been juggling three to four on-air jobs over the last few weeks and he’s in need of rest,” the statement continued.
Seacrest has served as the host of “American Idol” since the show started in 2002. He also started his daily morning radio show, “On Air With Ryan Seacrest” in 2004. In 2017, he started co-hosting “Live with Kelly and Ryan” with Ripa.
