Kelly Ripa revealed an unexpected encounter with Mark Consuelos’ ex while visiting their youngest son Joaquin’s college: “At that moment, I wished I had never been married.”

Kelly Ripa shared a surprising and awkward moment when she unexpectedly met one of Mark Consuelos‘ exes during a visit to their son Joaquin‘s college. The revelation left her wishing she had never been married, adding a humorous twist to their enduring love story.

An Awkward College Visit Turned Unforgettable

Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos have been a beloved Hollywood couple for nearly 30 years, but even the strongest marriages face unexpected surprises. During a recent visit to their youngest son Joaquin’s college, Kelly found herself in an uncomfortable — yet hilariously unforgettable — situation when she ran into one of Mark’s ex-girlfriends. The awkward encounter, which she later shared on Live with Kelly and Mark, left both Kelly and the audience laughing, proving that even long-lasting relationships still have their cringeworthy moments.

The trip was meant to be a supportive visit to cheer on Joaquin, who competes in college wrestling. Little did Kelly know, she was about to come face-to-face with a chapter from Mark’s past. As they arrived at the event, within moments, they ran into one of Mark’s former flames — a meeting neither of them expected. Kelly quipped about the experience, saying she wished she had never been married in that instant, a tongue-in-cheek remark that showcased her quick wit and ability to turn awkward situations into comedy gold.

Kelly’s Candid Reflection on Mark’s Dating History

During the show, the couple engaged in a lively discussion about honesty in relationships. Mark joked about how people tend to downplay their pasts, comparing it to how they might fib to doctors about alcohol consumption. This prompted Kelly to recall the college incident, leading to her humorous retelling of meeting Mark’s ex.

She playfully recounted how Mark teased her beforehand, wondering aloud how many of her old boyfriends they might encounter in her hometown. Ironically, it wasn’t Kelly’s past that surfaced — it was Mark’s. The moment became even more entertaining when Mark admitted that the ex’s children were talented wrestlers, adding a lighthearted competitive twist to the situation.

Kelly didn’t hold back from sharing another awkward memory from her dating past, recalling a particularly self-absorbed ex who monopolized every conversation. Her candid reflections not only brought laughter but also highlighted the stark contrast between her past relationships and the deep, playful bond she shares with Mark.

A Love Story That Stands the Test of Time

Despite the awkward run-ins and playful teasing, Kelly and Mark’s love story remains an inspiring one. The pair first met on the set of All My Children in 1995, where they portrayed an on-screen couple. Their chemistry was undeniable, and it wasn’t long before their fictional romance turned into a real-life love story. The two eloped to Las Vegas in 1996, beginning a marriage that has endured for decades — a rarity in Hollywood.

Over the years, they’ve built a beautiful family together. Their eldest son, Michael, is forging his path as a writer, filmmaker, and producer, contributing to popular Bravo shows like The Real Housewives. Their daughter, Lola, is pursuing her passion for music, with her work even landing a spot in the upcoming film Pretty Thing. Meanwhile, Joaquin continues to shine as both a drama student and an athlete at the University of Michigan.

Kelly and Mark’s journey hasn’t been without its fair share of challenges, but they’ve consistently shown resilience, humor, and unwavering support for one another — even when awkward moments from the past resurface.

Kelly Ripa’s hilarious recounting of the unexpected encounter with Mark’s ex is a reminder that even the most enduring relationships come with surprises. It’s how couples handle those moments — with humor, honesty, and a bit of self-deprecation — that truly defines their strength.

Whether they’re supporting their kids’ ambitions or turning awkward situations into comedy, Kelly and Mark prove time and time again that love isn’t about having a perfect history — it’s about creating a beautiful, imperfect present together.