Mark Consuelos delights in indulging Kelly Ripa's hypothetical scenarios. On the August 25th episode of "Live With Kelly and Mark," the duo, who tied the knot elopement-style in 1996, engaged in a playful discussion about seeking love anew should their 29-year marriage come to an end. Kelly confided that she had absolutely no intention of embracing the cougar lifestyle.
"Imagine if you and I weren't together," began the 54-year-old. "My next husband—almost said, 'May he rest in peace, my next husband'—would need to be practically buried six feet under with one foot and one arm still sticking out."
Indeed, the daytime talk show host, who shares children Michael, 28, Lola, 24, and Joaquin, 22, with Mark, made it abundantly clear that she'd seek little more than platonic companionship and a substantial financial windfall. "He'd have to suffer from severe ED [erectile dysfunction]," she elaborated, "and possess at least $6 billion in the bank."
Mark, also 54, appeared to endorse his wife's whimsical plan, chuckling and nodding along as she ticked off her wish list. Later, he shared how he would cope with the hypothetical dissolution of their union. "I would mourn the loss," he revealed to Kelly during the broadcast. "I'm assuming you passed away, because why else would you ever leave?"
Earlier this year, when Kelly and Mark previously toyed with the notion of going their separate ways, she doubted Mark's ability to navigate single life. "I know if you and I broke up," she quipped during a May episode of "Live," "you would absolutely fall apart, completely."
While Mark didn't dispute her assessment, he wasn't convinced he'd remain single for long. "I do feel like someone would be there to pick me up and ensure I'm okay," he responded. "I'd just have to get used to their college schedule and all that jazz."
Bursting into laughter at Mark's witty remark, Kelly reassured viewers that their conversations about breaking up were always meant in jest. "We have these conversations all the time," she explained. "I'll say, 'What if you found out I faked my own death?' And he'll reply, 'Well, my new wife and I would be very upset at first.' It's our favorite hypothetical chat."
