Kelly Ripa jokes about ‘inappropriate’ backstage moment she rubbed Mark Consuelos’ thighs: ‘Got a little handsy’

Ripa and Consuelos laughed as they recalled the exchange on their “Live” talk show: “I may or may not file a grievance,” Consuelos joked. “A report!”

Morning TV’s foremost adorably horny couple is at it again, as Live star Kelly Ripa jokingly recalled an “inappropriate” moment she vigorously rubbed the thighs of her cohost and husband Mark Consuelos backstage at work.

Ripa, 53, began Thursday’s show with a playful admission about her latest workplace antic with Consuelos, which she jokingly estimated might lead to her termination.

“I’ve got to tell you something. I did something backstage that was so inappropriate that, if we weren’t married, I would probably be fired right now,” Ripa said at the top of the program. “But, I have to explain myself. I started at the [shirt], and I was like, ‘I really love this shirt, I think it’s gorgeous on you.'”

Ripa continued, noting that her husband of 28 years next told her to feel his pants since she liked his top so much.

“I felt his pants, and they feel nice. But, I was like, ‘My gosh, your thighs feel like they are made out of metal or stone.’ Marble! Carved out of marble,” Ripa said. “I’m backstage rubbing up and down his thighs, like, it doesn’t even seem possible. I realize people are looking at us like, Are you okay? Do you forget that you’re in a place of business? And, yes is the answer!”

Consuelos, also 53, laughed as his wife told the story, and quipped that he “may or may not file a grievance” or “a report” against his spouse.

“Yeah, I mean, I don’t blame you,” Ripa stated. “It’s so inappropriate, but, congratulations on your thighs!”

Consuelos segued into another topic with one final quip, telling his wife that she “got a little handsy” backstage.

The comical moment marks the latest in a growing line of lightly spicy on-air moments from the couple, including a 2023 portion of the show that saw them trade foot massages for “WikiFeet weirdos,” as Ripa observed, as well as another moment where Consuelos stripped down to a tight wrestling singlet live on air.

Recently, Consuelos said in May that his crotch also set off an airport security machine, so the shenanigans aren’t reserved solely for Live’s backstage area.
Live With Kelly and Mark airs weekdays in syndication. Check your local listings for showtimes in your area.