It's no doubt that Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos have one of Hollywood’s longest-running marriages. The couple first met on the set of All My Children before secretly tying the knot in Las Vegas back in 1996.
Over the years, their relationship has blended work and home life seamlessly, with Consuelos now joining Ripa as co-host on Live With Kelly & Mark.
Known for their playful banter and no-holds-barred honesty, the couple often discuss marriage, aging, and even relationship breakdowns. Their chemistry and mutual respect are undeniable.
However, on Thursday’s episode of Live With Kelly & Mark, the pair broached the difficult topic of divorce.
They may be celebrating nearly three decades of marriage, but that didn’t stop them from diving into a wild hypothetical: what if they broke up?
The couple took a cheeky detour into their personal life while discussing a study about relationships. The research suggested men benefit more from being coupled and suffer more after a breakup—a finding Ripa had some thoughts on.
"I know if you and I broke up, you would absolutely fall apart, completely," Ripa said to Consuelos on-air.
"That's true," Consuelos replied, earning a collective “aww” from the studio audience—before flipping the tone with a classic Consuelos-style punchline.
"But I do feel like someone would be there on the other end just to pick me up and make sure I'm okay. Pretty sure," he said, triggering a round of laughter.
Then came the kicker: "I'd have to get used to their college schedule and all that stuff."
“Let’s do it live!”
Ripa couldn’t hold back.
"Oh my God. Oh, dear God, I hope I live to see your second wife!" she shot back, as the audience roared. She added that they regularly poke fun at each other with imaginary breakup scenarios, and that Consuelos often leans into the humor with lines about his “second wife.”
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The couple’s back-and-forth is part of what’s kept fans glued to the show since Consuelos officially joined Ripa as co-host. Their off-the-cuff banter, complete with occasional jabs and loving sarcasm, has become a hallmark of their daytime dynamic.
Secret wedding and strong roots
Ripa and Consuelos first met on All My Children and secretly tied the knot in Las Vegas in 1996. That secret didn’t last long—radio personality Wendy Williams spilled the news after an eyewitness spotted them getting their marriage license in Clark County.
"Our secret wedding, discovered by none other than Wendy Williams. True facts, I'm not kidding," Ripa revealed on her show last year.
Nearly 30 years later, they’re still together, still thriving, and still dishing out zingers.