Introducing a Scandalous Twist: Kelly Ripa Plays Mark Consuelos' Sizzling Mistress on 'Riverdale' Season 7 Return!

Mark Consuelos and Kelly Ripa at the 95th Annual Academy Awards John Salangsang/Shutterstock

Mark Consuelos made his official comeback to Riverdale with a playful nod to his personal life. In the episode that aired on Wednesday, June 28, the focus was on Hiram Lodge's return to the town, highlighting his complicated relationship with his daughter Veronica Lodge (Camila Mendes). As the businessman returned, he revealed that his true motive for visiting was to ask Veronica to pretend to go on a trip with him in order to deceive the FBI and remove suspicion from himself.

Veronica, however, chose to convene with an agent who substantiated that Hiram had been unfaithful to her mother with a blonde woman. Subsequently, in the episode, Veronica confronted her father and he confessed to having an extramarital relationship with a woman by the name of Kelly.

Camila Mendes portrays Veronica Lodge, while Mark Consuelos portrays Hiram Lodge in the seventh season of 'Riverdale' (Shane Harvey/The CW).

Sharp-eyed viewers were swift in spotting the Easter egg alluding to Consuelos' union with Kelly Ripa. Having met on the set of All My Children in 1995, the couple has since worked together on multiple projects throughout the years.

After a year of dating, Ripa and Consuelos, both 52 years old, decided to elope and later started a family with their children Michael, Joaquin, and Lola. On the screen, they also collaborated on various shows, including season 3 of Riverdale. Ripa made a surprise appearance as Hiram's mistress, Mrs. Mulwray, in the present-day storyline.

When asked about working with his wife, Consuelos expressed his excitement and appreciation for Riverdale creator Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa. He explained that Aguirre-Sacasa approached him with the idea and asked if Ripa would be interested. Consuelos enthusiastically supported the idea and Aguirre-Sacasa made it happen. Consuelos praised Aguirre-Sacasa's knowledge and passion for the show, noting that he didn't personally request the collaboration but felt it would be a fun experience.

Ripa's excitement was palpable when she discovered the link between her character and her husband. "I let out a joyous cry," she shared with Vanity Fair during that period. "And I exclaimed, 'Your mistress?!' because the idea of me being a mistress had never crossed my mind."

Kelly Ripa, who plays Ms. Mulwray in 'Riverdale', playfully addressed her role on social media. In an Instagram post, the New Jersey native jokingly referred to it as a "family affair" and mentioned being Hiram's mistress. She expressed her excitement for this role that she feels she was destined to portray. The show will be airing soon on The CW.

Earlier this year, the duo surprised fans by announcing Consuelos as Ripa's new Live cohost following Ryan Seacrest's departure. The actor officially started in April.

"We thought it would be fitting to end our careers together, considering we began them together," the couple revealed exclusively to Us one month prior. "We are excited to see where this journey takes us and embrace the idea that anything could happen. Now, we have the opportunity to find out."