Kelly Ripa’s Unforgettable Live TV Blunder: A Wild On-Air Adventure
Kelly Ripa’s Unforgettable Live TV Blunder: A Wild On-Air Adventure
Kelly Ripa, the charismatic host of LIVE with Kelly and Mark, has been a beloved figure in American daytime television for over two decades. Known for her wit and charm, Ripa has created countless memorable moments. However, one particular incident stands out as a reckless on-air blunder that fans still talk about today.
The Incident: A Daring Ski Segment
During a recent episode of LIVE with Kelly and Mark, Ripa recounted a wild incident that occurred during an on-air skiing segment shot in Banff. The story involved Michael Gelman, the executive producer of LIVE, who has been with the show for over 28 years.
Ripa revealed that Gelman had taken her up a mountain, given her a bit too much to drink, and then handed her two flaming torches, instructing her to ski down the mountain with them. This daring segment originally aired on April 5, 2012, and has since become a memorable part of the show’s history.
Kelly’s Skiing Skills: A Work in Progress
Ripa humorously admitted that her skiing skills were not up to par, especially back in 2012. She described herself as a “dangerous, reckless skier who could potentially harm myself and others.” Despite her lack of skiing prowess, Gelman insisted on airing the segment, believing it was too good to pass up.
Mark Consuelos’ Reaction
The old clip was played during the episode, and Ripa’s co-host and husband, Mark Consuelos, shared his memories of the event. Mark recalled telling Kelly to be careful, to which she reportedly responded with a slurred, “Don’t tell me what to do down this hill.” Mark also mentioned that he skied down behind Kelly, blocking traffic to ensure her safety.
The Magic of LIVE: A Close-Knit Family
Despite the on-air mishap, Kelly and Michael share a close relationship. In an interview, Michael spoke about the legacy of LIVE and working with Kelly and Mark. He mentioned that he has known them for over a quarter-century and that Kelly has been working with him directly for that long. Mark has co-hosted the show numerous times over the years and is now a permanent co-host, adding to the show’s family-like atmosphere.
Michael also highlighted the unique dynamic between Kelly and Mark, stating that their relationship is the same on-and-off the air. This authenticity is part of the magic that makes LIVE so appealing to audiences. Fans get to see their interactions every day, just like a live married couple.
The Evolution of LIVE
Since the departure of the late Regis Philbin in 2011, LIVE has seen several co-hosts, including Ryan Seacrest (2017-2023) and Michael Strahan (2012-2016), in addition to a range of guest hosts. However, Michael revealed that there are no plans to change the format of the show. He expressed confidence in the current format, stating that the show is doing great and will continue for many years to come.
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