The wheels are turned, and the results are in. Ryan Seacrest has been roped in to be the next host of Wheel of Fortune.
On 27 June, the creators of Wheel of Fortune announced that the prolific host of “American Idol,” “Live with Kelly And Ryan,” “American Top 40,” and “On Air With Ryan Seacrest” will grace the Wheel of Fortune stage for the next season.
With Pat Sajak retiring after 42 years, he left a huge void as the beloved show’s host. People loved him for his quips and hilarious takes on the gripping game.
So naturally, the executive producers were looking for a host who could continue the show’s essence while bringing in a fresh perspective.
Ryan Seacrest can be considered the serial host of Hollywood. He is responsible for introducing the Kardashian clan to the world with one of the longest-running reality series, Keeping Up With The Kardashians, and several spinoffs. He also hosts one of the most televised events in America, Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest.
His credentials are truly unmatched in the entertainment industry as a reliable host.
Ravi Ahuja, chairman of Global Television Studios at Sony Pictures, said–
“We are ecstatic to have Ryan as the next host of ‘Wheel of Fortune.'”
“Ryan loves ‘Wheel’ as much as we do and is the perfect person to continue the show’s four-decade success into the future.”
However, there seems to be a conflict with the letter presenter of Wheel of Fortune, Vanna White, who was an excellent support for Pat Sajak since the start.
Will Vanna White Stay on Wheel of Fortune?
After Pat’s retirement, some fans were hoping to see Vanna White fill his shoes. She seemed an obvious choice as she had taken up the role of the main host when Pat had to get his surgery.
She is also well-loved by the live audience for her elegance and soft-spoken demeanor. However, after Ryan’s entry, a rumor was floating in the producer’s room that the 66-year-old co-host won’t bring much to the table.
White has reportedly hired an aggressive litigator Bryan Freedman, claiming she did not get a pay raise in the past 18 years she has served the show. Apparently, the primary focus of the lawsuit is pay discrepancy, where White claims that Pat got paid five times more than she did. She supposedly makes $3 million a year for her role on the show.
But these are just speculations with no valid proof of whether she is actually filing a lawsuit against Sony producers.
Will Vanna White Retire?
Insiders have reported that Vanna is looking forward to the show’s next season. Her contract is up for renewal in 2024, and she made it apparent that she wasn’t looking to retire anytime soon. Last year, she clarified the rumors of leaving the show, “That’s depressing. I don’t even want to think about it,” “It’s incredible. I cannot believe it’s been 40 years. Honestly, I’ve loved every minute of it.”
“Who still says they love their job after 40 years? Me!” She told People magazine.
On the other hand, a Sony Representative responded to the reports about White leaving the show that there “is no plan to eliminate Vanna’s role.”
“Sony is in active discussions to renew Vanna’s deal beyond her current contract.”
Ryan Seacrest expresses his gratitude to be a part of the legendary show–
“I’m truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak.
I can say, along with the rest of America, that it’s been a privilege and pure joy to watch Pat and Vanna on our television screens for an unprecedented 40 years, making us smile every night and feel right at home with them.
Pat, I love the way you’ve always celebrated the contestants and made viewers at home feel at ease.
I look forward to learning everything I can from you during this transition.”
What are your opinions on Ryan being the new host? Were you expecting Vanna to host the show? Who else would you want as the host of Wheel of Fortune?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
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