Kelly Ripa forced off air after serious health condition

Kelly Ripa has been forced to take a break from Live with Kelly and Mark after undergoing painful gum graft surgery.

The 55-year-old TV favourite was absent from the latest episode of the daytime show, leaving husband and co-host Mark Consuelos to explain why she was missing. 

Joined by guest presenter Kevin Jonas, he reassured viewers that Kelly was recovering well, despite being under strict orders from her dentist.

"Kelly sends her love," he said, before revealing that she has been told not to talk while she heals. 

He explained that she must stick to soft foods, avoid drinking through a straw and even resist checking the surgical site herself.

The 55-year-old actor admitted that she had asked him to inspect the area after the operation, but he refused, joking: "I'm not pulling your lip down."

According to Mark, her dentist first suggested the procedure five years ago, but she delayed it, joking at the time that she wasn't sure she'd still be on television by the time it was needed.

While All My Children actress is now recovering well, Riverdale star admitted the procedure has been particularly tough for someone who rarely complains about pain.

"It's painful," he said. "She famously does not feel pain. When she goes into the dentist, she doesn't use the novocain. But this one hurts, so I know it's bad."

The health update comes months after Kelly looked back on the early days of her marriage, revealing Mark was "insanely jealous" when they first tied the knot. 

She recalled an amusing row that erupted after an elderly Italian waiter affectionately called her "principessa" during a dinner in Boston, leaving him unexpectedly irritated despite the innocent exchange.

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