Honestly, it’s hard to imagine Ryan Seacrest actually sleeping. The guy hosts Wheel of Fortune, handles American Idol, runs a radio empire, and somehow still finds time to produce half of Hollywood's reality TV. But for a guy who is everywhere, his private life is surprisingly guarded. Or at least it was, until his three-year relationship with Aubrey Paige went south in early 2024.
If you’re looking for the latest on the Ryan Seacrest ex-girlfriend front, you’ve probably noticed a pattern. He dates stunning, successful women—usually models or dancers—and then, after a few years of red carpets and "amicable" Instagram posts, they vanish from his side. It’s never a messy, plate-smashing divorce. It’s always a quiet press release.
The Breakup with Aubrey Paige: Why It Stung
Most people thought Aubrey Paige was "the one." Even Kelly Ripa was rooting for them. On air, Kelly used to joke about how she’d go into seclusion if they ever broke up because she liked Aubrey so much.
They met at a Memorial Day party in 2021. For three years, they were a fixture in the New York and LA social scenes. Aubrey, a model and entrepreneur who recently launched a wine-themed card game, seemed to fit perfectly into Ryan’s high-octane lifestyle. She was there in the audience for his emotional final day on Live with Kelly and Ryan in April 2023. She even posted a tribute calling him the "most inspiring man."
Then, in April 2024, it just... ended.
The official line? They "mutually decided to part ways" and plan to stay "good friends." It sounds like a template, right? But the reality of dating Ryan Seacrest is likely a logistical nightmare. The man works 20 hours a day. In 2026, he’s still the busiest man in show business. Finding time for a "normal" relationship when you're flying between coastlines for Wheel of Fortune and Idol is basically impossible.
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Julianne Hough: The High-Profile Flame That Still Lingers
You can't talk about a Ryan Seacrest ex-girlfriend without mentioning Julianne Hough. This was the "it" couple of 2010. She was the breakout star of Dancing with the Stars, and he was already the king of media.
They lasted three years, but Julianne has been surprisingly candid lately about why it didn't work. On a podcast appearance with Dax Shepard, she admitted she felt like she was "playing small" to avoid looking like she was using him for his fame.
"I had this insecurity that I didn't ever want anybody to think that I'm with him for this reason," Julianne explained.
She felt she had to be "perfect" and "malleable" to fit into his life. That’s a heavy burden for a 22-year-old dating a man 14 years her senior.
Interestingly, the two are still super close. For the 2026 New Year's Rockin' Eve broadcast, they actually teamed up again—Ryan in Times Square and Julianne hosting the Las Vegas countdown. If there was any lingering drama, it’s long gone. They’ve reached that rare "ex-goal" status where they can actually work together without it being weird.
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The Shayna Taylor Era: The Longest "On-and-Off"
Before Aubrey, there was Shayna Taylor. If Aubrey was the stable era, Shayna was the roller coaster.
They dated on and off for nearly eight years.
Eight. Years.
They met in 2013 at a restaurant where Ryan’s friends basically "interviewed" her for him. It’s a cute story—he stole her hairband to get her attention. But they broke up and got back together so many times that fans lost count. They lived together in New York, they vacationed in Italy, and Shayna, a chef, even appeared on his show to do cooking segments.
The final split happened in June 2020. At the time, Shayna posted some cryptic quotes about how you "cannot change" someone or make them "ready to show up." It hinted at a classic Hollywood problem: one person is ready for the "forever" part (marriage and kids), and the other is too busy building a billion-dollar brand.
The Full Dating History: It’s a Long List
Ryan’s "ex" club is pretty exclusive. Here’s the quick rundown of the names you might have forgotten:
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- Shana Wall (2003–2005): An actress and Amazing Race contestant. They’ve remained so close that they were spotted arm-in-arm a decade after their breakup.
- Teri Hatcher (2006): This was a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it romance. They went on one date, got caught kissing by paparazzi, and Ryan allegedly called her later to say he couldn't do it.
- Sara Jean Underwood (2009): A two-year on-and-off fling that was mostly kept under wraps until Howard Stern grilled him about it.
- Hilary Cruz (2015): A former Miss Teen USA. They met at his 40th birthday party but fizzled out within a year.
What Most People Get Wrong About Ryan's Love Life
There is a persistent rumor that Ryan Seacrest is "unlucky in love." People look at the list of beautiful exes and assume something is wrong.
But look closer.
Almost every single Ryan Seacrest ex-girlfriend says the same thing after the breakup: he’s a "great guy" and a "professional." There are no cheating scandals. No messy lawsuits.
The real issue is likely the Seacrest Schedule.
When he took over for Pat Sajak on Wheel of Fortune, his workload didn't get smaller—it just changed shapes. He is a man who prioritizes his foundation and his career. For some women, that works for a few years. For others, the reality of being second to a teleprompter eventually wears thin.
What’s Next for Ryan?
As of early 2026, Ryan seems to be leaning into his "single and busy" era. He’s 51 now, and while he’s mentioned wanting kids "at the right time," that window is shifting.
If history is any indication, his next girlfriend will likely be a model or an entrepreneur in her 20s or 30s who values her privacy. But until then, he’s seemingly content being the world’s most famous bachelor.
Next Steps for You:
If you're following the latest celebrity relationship shifts, keep an eye on Ryan's social media during major holidays like Memorial Day or the Fourth of July. Historically, that's when he "debuts" new partners. Also, check out Aubrey Paige's new brand "Sippin' On Somethin'" if you want to support his most recent ex-partner’s solo ventures.