Fans aren't the only ones worried about Ryan Seacrest's health after the stroke-like symptoms he exhibited during last month's "American Idol" finale. New reports suggest Seacrest and his ABC colleagues are concerned, too — with one claiming he dreads leaving the Los Angeles area when "Live with Kelly and Ryan" returns to filming in its New York City studio.
Near the end of the May 17 "Idol" broadcast, Seacrest, 45, seemed to slur some of his words. One eye also appeared to be swollen, details viewers connected to a possible stroke on social media. His rep dismissed the stroke speculation, saying Seacrest has simply been overworked and is facing added stress related to filming multiple shows from home.
"Between 'Live with Kelly and Ryan,' 'American Idol,' 'On Air with Ryan Seacrest,' and the 'Disney Family Singalong' specials, he has been juggling three [to] four on-air jobs over the last few weeks and he's in need of rest," the rep told People at the time.
Seacrest did get a little rest the day after the "Idol" finale, when he bowed out of his "Live" hosting duties on Monday, May 18. Kelly Ripa told viewers he was taking a day off because he "worked late on 'Idol'" the night before.
When Seacrest returned to "Live" on Tuesday, May 19, he promptly thanked Marc Consuelos for filling in for him and thanked viewers for understanding his "exhaustion," explaining that he'd been "working around the clock."
Still, fans have continued to post about whether one day off is really enough time for him to adequately focus on his health. Seacrest may be wondering the same thing.
On Thursday, June 4, Closer Weekly reported the busy producer and show host misses living full-time in Los Angeles, where he's been hunkered down since COVID-19 forced "Live" and other shows to film virtually.
"He has nothing against New York, but he feels that he was healthier in Los Angeles," a source reportedly told the outlet, adding that he "would like to move back to L.A. permanently."
The insider added: "Ryan knows the show needs the hosts in the same room … but right now, he's dreading the thought of not living in California."
Recent posts on Seacrest's Instagram seem to underscore that sentiment, from his Memorial Day weekend hiking pic — "a breath of fresh air," he captioned the shot — to the selfie he shared last week showing off his "new strawberry garden for protein shakes."
Over the weekend, Page Six did some digging on the Closer Weekly report. According to one insider, there's no truth to the "rumor" Seacrest is mulling a permanent move back to L.A., and he plans to return to New York City "when the show decides it's safe to start up production again at their set."
But sources close to both Seacrest and ABC are still reportedly concerned about his health.
"There are people at the network who are extremely worried that he is overdoing it," said one network insider. "People internally have started to ask questions."
In the meantime, Page Six reports Seacrest will soon have less on his plate, since "Live" is preparing for a "weeks-long hiatus" beginning next month. According to the tabloid, sources say that as far as Seacrest's health, the "timing couldn't be better" for the break.