Ryan Seacrest makes surprise ‘Live’ return — and reveals the ‘new love’ in his life

He’s back!

Ryan Seacrest made a surprise return to “Live” to help kick off the program’s iconic “Love Week” on Monday. He also revealed to former co-host Kelly Ripa and her husband, Mark Consuelos, that he had a new love in his life.

“Speaking of love lives, any new additions to your family that you want to talk to us about?” Ripa, 53, probed, before adding: “You have a new love in your life?”

Seacrest, who appeared on the talk show to promote the upcoming Season 22 of “American Idol,” confirmed that he did.

“Yes,” Seacrest, 49, replied, revealing that he recently adopted a puppy.

“We have a new puppy named Olio,” Seacrest smiled as both Ripa and Consuelos, 52, made cooing sounds as a photo of the Labrador retriever was shown.

“Is he an Italian dog?” Consuelos joked, prompting Seacrest to burst out laughing.

“Yes, he is,” Seacrest, who has been dating girlfriend Aubrey Paige since 2021, replied. “He likes marinara, and he is named after olive oil.”

Ryan Seacrest made a surprise return to the morning talk show to help kick off the program’s iconic “Love Week” on Monday. Live with Kelly and Mark

“Speaking of love lives, any new additions to your family that you want to talk to us about?” Ripa, (center) asked Seacrest (left) before adding: “You have a new love in your life?” Live with Kelly and Mark

“Now Georgia,” queried Consuelos, referring to Seacrest’s other dog. “What does Georgia think of this new addition?”

Seacrest noted: “Georgia rolled her eyes for a couple of months, and now they are close.”

Earlier this month, the incoming “Wheel of Fortune” host announced via Instagram that he adopted Olio.

Seacrest, who appeared on the talk show to promote the upcoming season of “American Idol,” confirmed that he did have a new member of his family. Live with Kelly and Mark

“Your regular reminder of how much I love EVOO,” Seacrest wrote, using the abbreviation for extra virgin olive oil. “Introducing our newest family member – Olio!”

Monday’s drop-by marks the second time Seacrest has appeared on “Live With Kelly and Mark” since his April 2023 departure.

“This is something that [Kelly] and I have been talking about for a long time, and it was a tough, tough decision,” Seacrest stated in February 2023 about his departure from the “Live” desk. “Last year we spoke, and I made the decision to make this my last season as co-host.”

“We have a new puppy named Olio,” Seacrest smiled as both Ripa and Consuelos made cooing sounds as a photo of the Labrador retriever was shown. Live with Kelly and Mark

Earlier this month, the incoming “Wheel of Fortune” host announced via Instagram that he adopted Olio. Instagram/@ryanseacrest

On Monday, Seacrest seemed to settle back into his old hosting ways by interrogating Ripa and the “Riverdale” alum about their recent tropical vacation.

“We’re not going to do this where you try to take over the interview,” Ripa quipped.

She went on to tease that Seacrest appeared taller these days.

Monday’s drop-by marks the second time Seacrest has appeared on “Live With Kelly and Mark” since his April 2023 departure. ABC

“I’ll tell you a secret. I’ve been watching the show. You guys are great,” the “American Idol” host said. “There is a real future in this. You’re going to make it. And I keep noticing these shoes you are wearing with this heel.”

“I measured it on the screen. I wanted to come in with some real power, Mark,” he added.

Both men then stood up and engaged in a competition to see who had the biggest heel.

“Why do either one of you think you’re wearing heels?” a bemused Ripa asked.

“I can barely walk in these things,” Seacrest groaned. “My feet are sore at the end of the day.”

“That just looks like a shoe with the bottom on it,” Ripa interjected. “I’m wearing a heel!”