Kelly Ripa is absent from “Live with Kelly and Mark” due to a “painful” oral surgery, Mark Consuelous revealed on Monday.
“Kelly sends her love,” the actor told viewers while welcoming guest co-host Kevin Jonas.
“Kelly had a little bit — well, it’s not a little — she had a gum graft surgery,” Consuelos explained to viewers of the dental procedure, which, per Cleveland Clinic, treats thinning gums or gum recession.
Consuelos, 55, noted, “Her dentist said five years ago, ‘You can do it in about five years.’ And she joked, ‘I didn’t think I’d still be on the air in five years!’”
He added that Ripa, also 55, is “doing well” and “doing great,” but has to follow a lengthy list of recovery instructions — including not talking.
“Wow,” Jonas joked. “That’s got to be the hardest thing she’s ever done.”
The “All My Children” alum said that though his wife is “such a great conversationalist,” she’s diligently following dentist’s orders.
“I’m trying to keep her follow[ing] the rules, follow[ing] the directions,” Consuelos said, clarifying that she can eat only soft foods.
“It’s painful,” he said. “But she famously doesn’t feel pain. When she goes into the dentist, she doesn’t use the novocaine. But this one hurts, so I know it’s bad.”
Additionally, Ripa has been instructed to refrain from inspecting the site of the surgery.
“Last night she was like, ‘Can you look?’ I’m like, ‘I’m not pulling your lip down,’” Consuelos said, explaining that she tilted her head to the floor so he could see.
“So I’m down there like, ‘It looks great!’” he recalled.
Ripa is expected to be out of the show for the next week, a spokesperson told People.
Several stars will be hosting in her place, including Mila Kunis on Wednesday, Pamela Adlon on Thursday and Scott Foley on Friday.
Jonas will be back to host Tuesday.
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