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Kelly Ripa’s comeback plans have finally come into focus—but the latest update means fans will be waiting much longer than many expected. After her painful gum surgery left her away from the Live desk, a string of celebrity guest hosts has continued filling the empty chair beside Mark Consuelos. Now, producers have set the date for Kelly’s full return, while an upcoming summer shake-up means viewers won’t see the familiar duo reunited live quite yet. The timing—and what happens on the show until then—is already giving fans plenty to talk about.

Kelly Ripa return date set for ‘Live’, see when Voorhees’ Ripa is back

Kelly Ripa's return date from gum surgery recovery has been announced

Fans of “Live with Kelly and Mark” will be waiting until after Labor Day for the return of star co-host Kelly Ripa.

It was announced midweek the Berlin native will continue her recovery from gum surgery for the next four-plus weeks, with a planned return to her chair next to husband and co-host Mark Consuelos on Sept. 8.

It should be noted there are only two more live “Live” shows before the daytime chat program goes on its planned monthlong summer hiatus, beginning Monday, Aug. 10.

“Live with Kelly and Mark” is in its second week without Ripa, with a parade of guest celebrities filling the co-host chair.

Michelle Buteau (‘Survival of the Thickest,’ ‘Babes’) hosted with Consuelos Thursday, Aug. 6. You can tune in Friday to catch actress Carrie Coon (‘The Gilded Age’, ‘The Leftovers’ and TV’s ‘Fargo’) subbing for Ripa.

“Scrubs” star Sarah Chalke kicked off this week’s “Live with Kelly and Mark” guest co-host lineup Monday, sitting alongside Consuelos. Actress Jenna Dewan (“Step Up”) filled in Tuesday morning while singer and actress Chrissy Metz (‘This Is Us’) took over duties Wednesday.

Consuelos first revealed Monday, July 27, Ripa underwent gum graft surgery and was unable to talk during the early stages of recovery.

What happened to Kelly Ripa?

Kelly Ripa misses Live after surgery, Mark Consuelos…

Kelly Ripa has been absent from “Live with Kelly and Mark” for a second week while recovering from gum graft surgery, according to husband and co-host Mark Consuelos.

Consuelos first shared the reason for Ripa’s absence during July 27’s episode, telling viewers that her dentist had recommended the procedure years ago. He said Ripa was recovering at home and following her doctor’s instructions after the surgery.

Why isn’t Kelly Ripa on the show this week?

Ripa’s absence is related to her recovery from gum graft surgery.

Consuelos explained that Ripa’s dentist had recommended the procedure years earlier. He said she was doing well but needed time to recover and follow post-surgery restrictions.

Viewers have noticed Ripa was missing from the co-host’s chair, with searches seeking answers over her absence surging.

Fans have continued to search “What happened to Kelly Ripa?,” “What’s going on with Kelly Ripa?” and “Why isn’t Kelly Ripa on the show this week?” as Ripa continues to miss episodes of ABC’s daytime talk show.

Where did Kelly Ripa grow up?

Best Photos of Kelly Ripa Through the Years: 1973 to 52nd Birthday

Ripa was born in Stratford, N.J., and raised in Berlin N.J., attending Eastern High School in Voorhees and later Camden County College.

What is gum graft surgery?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, a gum graft is a dental procedure used to treat gum recession, a condition in which gums pull away from teeth and expose the roots underneath.

The procedure replaces or reinforces lost gum tissue around the teeth and can help reduce tooth sensitivity, lower the risk of decay and improve overall oral health.

During the procedure, a periodontist typically takes tissue from the roof of a patient’s mouth and places it over areas where gum recession has occurred. Recovery usually takes about one to two weeks, though healing times vary.

People searching for “gum graft surgery before and after photos” can find examples through dental practices, oral health organizations and periodontal specialists that show how the procedure can restore gum coverage and improve oral health.

When will Kelly Ripa return to ‘Live with Kelly and Mark’?

A return date has been set for Tuesday Sept. 8.

Consuelos has indicated that Ripa is recovering and improving as the show moves into a monthlong summer hiatus beginning Aug. 10. Best-of shows will air through the summer break and the show’s producers also plan to carry a series of previously unseen outtakes.

Viewers can expect Consuelos to continue hosting “Live” with guest co-hosts filling in during Ripa’s recovery the remainder of this week with Carrie Coon, Aug. 7. Ripa has been replaced by a series of guest co-hosts during her absence, including Chrissy Metz, Kevin Jonas, Mila Kunis and Sarah Chalke.

Viewers who want to watch recent episodes of “Live with Kelly and Mark” can also stream ABC content through Disney+ and other participating TV providers.

Lori Comstock, a New Jersey-based reporter covering trending news with USA TODAY Network’s Mid-Atlantic Connect Teamcontributed to this story.

(This story was republished to add a visual element and clarify Kelly Ripa’s South Jersey roots)

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