Wheel of Fortune is easily one of the most successful game shows that has been airing since 1975 and is currently in its 41st season, becoming more entertaining than ever.
So, if you have been watching Wheel of Fortune for a while and noticed something was amiss on this Monday’s episode, you’re absolutely right.
Vanna White, the co-host of Wheel of Fortune, who was a part of the show since 1982, is nowhere to be seen on the episode that aired on October 2. Apparently, during the filming back in August 2023, Ms. White tested positive for COVID-19 and had to miss five episodes of Teacher’s Week. The show replaced her with Donald Blue for the time being.
So, will Vanna White return to Wheel of Fortune? Let’s explore it in detail below.
What Happened to Vanna White During Wheel of Fortune Season 41?
In August 2023, Vanna White was all set to shoot the Teacher’s Week of Wheel of Fortune, but she unexpectedly caught COVID-19 and had no choice but to recuperate at her home for the week.
Consequently, she had to miss out on the filming, and the rescheduling wasn’t possible because all the teachers had arrived in Los Angeles. So, she took leave for five episodes of the show to recover from her sickness.
On Monday’s episode, Pat Sajak, the co-host who has been working alongside Vanna White, explained what exactly happened to Vanna White and why she isn’t there. In his words,
“You’ll notice Vanna is not here, and I have to say that Ms. White has tested positive for COVID. That’s the bad news. The good news is I talked to her just a little while ago, and she feels fine. She has a little sniffle, but she tested positive, and that’s the way it goes. So she will not be here with us this week. But it’s Teachers Week, and so we have a teacher here who is going to handle the puzzle board duties.”
During Teacher’s Week, the show brought in Donald Blue, the 2023 California Teacher of the Year who teaches mathematics for the kindergarten, and she also shared her experiences after entering the show.
Will Vanna White Return to Wheel of Fortune?
Although Vanna White’s absence is affecting the audiences more than we can imagine since her glamorous and cheerful nature has always been one of the show’s strongest suits, she will return to her role.
Apparently, White had her contract extended for two more years in the last month, meaning she will not only return for this year but also stay as the co-host for the coming few years.
Perhaps the only regrettable thing is Sajak leaving the show after the 41st season. He has been on the Wheel of Fortune since 1982, about the same time as Vanna White.
Ryan Seacrest will be joined in the place of Pat Sajak to accompany Vanna White following the conclusion of Wheel of Fortune season 41. Although it is regrettable, seeing as Vanna White will stay with the show for a while longer, it reassures the fans.
So, are you watching Wheel of Fortune season 41? What do you think about Vanna White’s return and Sajak’s departure?
Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
